MARGAO
Verna Sports Club inscribed their name on the All Goa St Anne’s Inter-Village Festival Trophy 2023 in memory of Late Maria Anatansia Fernandes organised by Ponda Footballers in association with SAG held at Animal Husbandry Ground, Ponda.
Verna SC defeated Sinquerim Sports Club by 3-0 goals. Verna was leading by a solitary goal in the first half through Clifton Rebello, and increased their lead in the second half through Hilton Fernandes and Imamsab Guledgudda.
Verna opened their account in the 15th minute of the match as Hilton Fernandes gave a through ball to Clifton Rebello who lobbed over the advancing keeper to make 1-0. In the 41st minute of the second half, Hilton Fernandes headed into the goal of a free kick to increase the lead to 2-0. At the end of the match in the 69th minute Imamsab Guledgudda got a free ball inside the box and placed into the goal to seal the cup in Verna’s name.
Following prizes were awarded, Man of the Match - Hilton Fernandes (Verna SC); Best Defender - Shaheen Sheikh (Sinquerim SC); Best Midfielder - Sheldon Pereira (Verna SC); Best forward - Krish Naroji (Sinquerim SC); Best Goalkeeper - Royal Moniz (Verna SC).
Earlier, Ponda Footballers felicitated some of their players who had played for the Under-14 team and now are playing for professional teams. The players felicitated are Bhaskar Jalmi, Aniket Kerkar, Maresto Fernandes.
Earlier Veterans Red led by Martin Pires defeated Veterans Blue in the exhibition match.
GFA President Caitano Fernandes was the Chief Guest, Dr Ketan Bhatikar was the guest of honour, Arjuna awardee Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, Vincent Fernandes and Sandeep Opkar were also present on the dais.
