CANACONA
Cocktails & Dreams, Palolem emerged victorious in the thrilling final of the 6th Betu Memorial Football Trophy, defeating CR7 Agonda 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time. The tournament, a 5-a-side competition organised by SFX Sports Club, Bhatpal in memory of Bartholomeu "Betu" Fernandes, featured 16 teams from across the taluka.
The match, played on Sunday at the Shristhal Panchayat Grounds, Canacona, showcased intense competition as both teams fought hard but failed to break the deadlock during regular play. Cocktails & Dreams, known for their attacking style, continuously pressed forward, only to be thwarted time and again by the resilient CR7 Agonda goalkeeper, Earl Fernandes.
With neither side able to score in regulation time, the fate of the trophy was decided in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Cocktails & Dreams Palolem held their nerve, converting four penalties to CR7 Agonda's three, clinching the championship title.
Chief guest Fr Freddy Lobo presented the trophy and a cash prize of Rs 15,000 to the victorious Cocktails & Dreams Palolem team, acknowledging their outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, CR7 Agonda received a runner-up trophy and a cash prize of Rs 10,000 for their commendable efforts.
Individual awards were also handed out, with Chaitu Komarpant and Mehmood of Cocktails & Dreams Palolem named Best Striker and Best Defender respectively. Earl Fernandes of CR7 Agonda was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper for his exceptional contributions in the goal.
