New entrants Cross Boys Velim emerged champions of the 2nd AVCC 9-a-side Open Invitational Football Tournament, defeating defending champions Harrisonns XI Cuncolim 3“1. The tournament was organized by the Football Association of Velim Villagers at the Velim Church ground.
Harrisonns XI took an early lead in the 10th minute when Chetan Gaonkar capitalized on a defensive lapse to beat Cross Boys goalkeeper Deva Verma.
Cross Boys bounced back strongly in the second half. Kiran restored parity soon after the restart and later put his team ahead with a well-struck direct free kick, as Cross Boys began to control the game. Despite Harrisonns’ efforts to equalize, Deva Verma produced a series of crucial saves. Miju eventually sealed the victory with a neat flick, making it 3“1.
Cross Boys Velim took home the winner’s prize of ₹30,000, while Harrisonns XI Cuncolim received ₹20,000 as runners-up.
Earlier, an exhibition match between Salcete Kuwait Goans and Bardez Kuwait Goans ended in a 1“1 draw. Micheal scored for Bardez, while Duarte equalized for Salcete. Salcete went on to win the tie-breaker, with goalkeeper Conny delivering an impressive performance.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Savio D’Silva, former president of the South Goa District Congress Committee. Guests of Honour included Lavita Mascarenhas from Dandora, Cuncolim. Other distinguished attendees were Retd. SP Tony Fernandes, Rohidas “Daad” Desai (owner of Ritz Classic), Retd. Principal Tilroy Fernandes, Capt. Tony Fernandes, veteran Maurice Colaco, editor Leslie Ann, Donald Colaco, Revlin Ferreira, Landry Mascarenhas (Chairperson of Cuncolim Municipal Council), Julio Fernandes (ZP Velim constituency), and former Velim MLA Benjamin Silva.
