MARGAO
Canacona SCC emerged triumphant in the thrilling final of the 26th Holy Cross inter-village football tournament after defeating St Anthony SC, Marna-Siolim 5-3 via tie-breaker, at the Vodlemoll Kakoda ground, on Saturday.
The final showcased an intense battle between two determined teams. The opening 20 minutes were a tense affair, with both sides canceling each other out. However, the deadlock was broken in the 20th minute when Sherwin Lobo unleashed a powerful strike to put Marna-Siolim ahead. Despite relentless efforts from Canacona, the first half concluded with Siolim leading 1-0.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Canacona surged forward in search of the equaliser. They faced a resolute Marna Siolim defense, but their persistence paid off in the dying moments of the match. Velvino Fernandes delivered a clinical finish to level the score at 1-1 just as the final whistle blew, sending the game to a penalty shoot-out.
In the resultant tie-breaker, Canacona SCC displayed nerves of steel, with Yamnursab, Pralhad, Mehbub, and Chaitan converting their penalties. St. Anthony SC Marna Siolim's Sahil and Pushparaj found the net, but it wasn't enough.
The Canacona SCC team received their prizes from dignitaries including Pradip Naik, Chairperson of CCMC, along with councillors, social worker Ali, and Johncy Fernandes, President of Guardian Angel Sports Club.
