MARGAO
In an exhilarating finale, Chandrawaddo Boys Fatorda emerged victorious in the 17th Rebello Pandal All Goa Open Trophy, securing a thrilling win over ABC 13 Maina with a score of 6-5 via a tiebreaker.
The final of the tournament, organised by Rebello Pandal Maina, was played at St Rita Church ground on Sunday. The Easter Sunday showdown drew a large crowd to witness the intense match, where both teams showcased their skills, keeping football enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
Hanshlum Furtado of Fatorda opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a well-placed shot past Maina's goalkeeper, Stanley. Maina's Nickson had a chance to equalise in the next minute, but his shot missed the target. At halftime, Chandrawaddo Boys led 1-0.
In the second half, ABC 13 Maina changed their tactics and introduced Chaddu, who scored the equaliser with a header in the 36th minute. Maina then took the lead in the 45th minute due to a misjudgment by Chandrawaddo's goalkeeper.
As the match headed towards injury time, Cliff Barreto's long-range effort found the Maina net, ending the game in a 2-2 draw to force a penalty shootout. In the tiebreaker, Chandrawaddo Boys Fatorda proved to be more clinical shooters, clinching the title.
Individual awards: Best goalkeeper of the final: Carol Soares of Chandrawaddo Boys Fatorda, Best defender: Caetano of ABC 13 Maina, First goal of the final: Hanslum Furtado of Chandrawaddo Boys Fatorda, Best player of the final: Alfred of Chandrawaddo Boys Fatorda, Best disciplined team: Dominator 23 Fatorda.
Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, MLA of Curtorim Constituency, graced the event as the chief guest. He presented the awards to the winners and runners-up in the presence of Fr Domnic Vas, Parish Priest of St Rita Church Maina, Alexinho Da Silva, and John Angelius Rebello.
