CANACONA
In a series of friendly exhibition football matches held at SAG Ground, Agonda, on Sunday, Chandor Parish emerged victorious in all three contests against Agonda Parish.
The first match featured Agonda Altar-Servers versus Chandor Altar-Servers (Boys). Despite a goalless first half, Chandor secured a narrow win with a single field goal scored in the final minutes of the second half.
In the second match, Chandor Parish Youth (Girls) edged out St. Anne’s Parish Youth (Girls) in a thrilling tie-breaker, winning 4-3 after an intense sudden-death penalty shoot-out.
The highlight of the day was the exhibition match between Agonda Parish Youth and Chandor Parish Youth. The fast-paced game saw numerous close chances but remained goalless until the final minutes. Chandor Youth initially dominated but Agonda Youth turned the game around, hitting the goalposts and crossbar several times, with Benhur Rodrigues missing key opportunities.
Agonda’s goalkeeper, Earl Fernandes, kept the Chandor forwards at bay until a late scuffle allowed the ball to slip into the net with just five minutes remaining. In the dying moments of the match, Rossman Fernandes skillfully maneuvered past three Chandor defenders to score an equaliser, sending the game to penalties.
In the ensuing penalty shoot-out, Chandor’s goalkeeper proved exceptional, blocking four of the seven shots. Both goalkeepers, Earl Fernandes and Brehnun, made crucial saves, but the match ultimately had to be decided by a coin toss, which Chandor won.
The exhibition matches were organised by SAPYA (St. Anne’s Parish Youth Association) to celebrate Vocation Sunday, a day dedicated to honoring those who have responded to the call to priesthood and religious life. Fr. Octavin Da Cunha served as the chief guest, with Agonda Parish Priest Fr. Patrick Luis, Agonda Youth Coordinator Fr. Baltazar, and assistant priests from Our Lady of Behethelem Church, Chandor, also in attendance. They presented the trophies and awards at the conclusion of the event.
