PANAJI
Apollo Football Academy of Panaji, emerged champions after defeating hosts Kaykee Youth Club of Dongorim Majorda to lift the Friendship Cup 2021 which was played at Kings Turf, Verna. Kayden Lobo scored the lone goal of the match.
The fast-paced match, the teams pressed hard to find an opening in end-to-end action. However, the teams had nothing to show in the scoresheet for their efforts at half time. Three minutes into the second half, the hard-working Warren D'sa's solo attempt hit the goalpost and went out.
The keepers of both the teams showed good reflexes, keeping at bay several attempts. The goalkeeper of Kaykee YC, Shanne Estiberio, twice had to stretch the entire length to make saves to deny Piyush Sawant and Kiaam Araujo of Apollo FA.
The Panjim outfit's Kayden Lobo struck two minutes before full time to score the all-important goal. Kaykee players pressed hard to get an equaliser but efforts made by Joedan Dias and Sadik Mulla were futile.
The chief guest for the finals was Ruban D'Costa, Principal of Goankar HSS, Raia, while Sanjay Bhayani, Branch Manager of HDFC Bank, Majorda, was the guest of honour. Prashant K K, the special invitee, handed over the trophies and prizes to the players. Chairperson Anjulo P Fernandes welcomed the gathering while Keegan Fernandes, Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks.
