MARGAO
In a finale that had all the elements of a footballing classic, Betalbatim Sports Club edged past Navelim Sporting Club 7-6 in a nail-biting tiebreaker after a pulsating 2-2 draw in regulation time to lift the prestigious Benaulim Villagers Cup on Sunday.
The grand final was played in front of a packed and vocal crowd at the St John the Baptist Panchayat ground.
The game kicked off with high intensity, and Navelim took the early lead when Ronaldo Pereira coolly converted a penalty in the 17th minute. However, Betalbatim’s persistent pressure paid off when Dickson Rogtao’s curling free-kick led to a defensive mix-up, resulting in Aden Pereira inadvertently turning the ball into his own net in the 30th minute.
The second half delivered even more drama. Navelim regained the lead through another Ronaldo Pereira penalty after Betalbatim goalkeeper Milton Dsouza brought down Prestly Gomes in the box. But just when Navelim looked poised to close out the match, fate struck again ” under intense pressure, Aden Pereira scored his second own goal of the evening, levelling the score at 2-2.
With no winner in regulation time, the match went into a tiebreaker, where Betalbatim held their composure to triumph 7-6 and take home the champions’ trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
The awards were presented by the chief guest Churchill Alemao, former chief minister of Goa, in the presence of ZP member Nelly Rodrigues, Cana Benaulim Panchayat member Manoj Kesarkar, Lizelle (sports enthusiast from Pedda, Benaulim), along with Fr Malcolm, Fr Xavier, club members, and other dignitaries.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Striker: Ronaldo Pereira (Navelim SC), Best Player: Klusner Pereira (Betalbatim SC), Best Goalkeeper: Milton Dsouza (Betalbatim SC), Best Midfielder: Dickson Rogtao (Betalbatim SC), Best Defender: Ashley Fernandes (Betalbatim SC), Up and coming Player: Garson Braganza (Betalbatim SC), Best Disciplined Team: Maina SC, Curtorim
