United Club of Verna lift London Trophy

MARGAO

United Club of Verna scored a 2-1 win over Holders Guardian Sports Club to lift the 18th London Trophy Inter Village Football Tournament 2026, organised by Goa Velha Sports Club and sponsored by the Villagers of Goa Velha based in the United Kingdom.

Both the teams dished out excellent football in the finals which was witnessed by a large number of spectators. In a fast paced encounter, both teams missed chances to score before eventually Preston Castanha of Guardian Angel Sports Club was tackled from behind by United Club of Verna defender Desmond Pereira in the dreaded box just before half time. Valerian Hilario converted the resultant the penalty which was awarded by the match referee Jan Rodrigues. Guardian Angel Sports Club led by a solitary goal at the break.

Victorino Fernandes of Guardian Angel Sports Club missed a splendid opportunity to double the lead but shot wide in haste with only the Verna keeper to beat. United Club of Verna went all out in search of the equaliser and finally equalised through the boots of Nevil Menezes. Hilton Fernandes scored the match winner when he capitalized on the Guardian Angel defenders who delayed in clearing the ball thereby enabling Hilton to shoot into the Guardian Angel nets. Guardian Angel Sports Club frantically tried for the much needed equaliser but failed to do so till the final whistle thereby handing over the Trophy to United Club of Verna.

United Club of Verna were awarded the Winners Trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000/- while Guardian Angel Sports Club were awarded the Runners Up Trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 80,000/- by the Chief Guest Viresh Borkar (St Andre Constituency MLA) in the presence of Fr. Antonio Albuquerque (Parish Priest, St. Andrew's Church), Francisco Silveira (Ex Minister of Sports, Government of Goa), Angelo Albuquerque (Patron of Panjim Footballers), Trupti Bakal (Zilla Panchayat Member, St. Lawrence), Anthony Leo Fernandes (Zilla Panchayat Member, Colva & Executive Committee Members of Goa Football Association), Anthony Francis Vas (Executive Committee Member of Goa Football Association) and other dignitaries.

INDIVIDUAL PRIZES

Best Goalkeeper of the Final: Veagan Calado (United Club of Verna)

Best Defender of the Final: Alton Vaz (Guardian Angel Sports Club)

Best Midfielder of the Final: Clifton Rebello (United Club of Verna)

Best Striker of the Final: Nevil Gama (United Club of Verna)

Man of the Match of the Final: Clifton Rebello (United Club of Verna)

Player of the Tournament: Arfan Sayed (United Club of Verna)