PANAJI
Vasco Veterans beat Navelim Veterans 7-6 on penalties to win the United Veterans football tournament organised in memory of Late Anthony Baptista (former junior international and Salgaocar player from Majorda).
The game was a tightly fought contest with both teams creating chances but the first half ended at 0-0. In the 40th minute, Dennis Cabral scored the first goal of the final for Navelim Veterans. But Vasco Veterans captain Vishant Pednekar, who was in red hot form in the tournament, bought his team back in the game when he headed in a wonderful cross by Uday Naik to make it 1-1.
Cruz Pereira had a good game with some strong box to box running. With no winner coming at full time, the game went into a tie-breaker. In the shootout, Vasco Veterans converted through Vishant, Luis, Shaikh Abu, Vincent, Anand and Uday. Navelim Veterans scored through Donald, Mario, Cruz, Seby and Nelson.
After a fitting finale to the tournament that started on December 14 last month, the players were felicitated by chief guest Mickky Pacheco, guests of honour Ruzada Baptista and Sucorin Baptista, and special invitees Vincent Rodrigues, Nelly Rodrigues, Adv Radharao Garcias and Babasan D'Sa.
Winners were awarded Rs 30,000 besides the championship trophy, while the runners-up won a cash purse of Rs 20,000 and a trophy. Individual prizes: Best player - Vishant Pednekar (Vasco Veterans), Best goalkeeper: Anand (Vasco Veterans), Best midfielder: Marcus Carvalho (Marc Caterers, Nuvem), First goal of the finals: Dennis Cabral (Navelim Veterans).
