MARGAO
Cuncolim Union rallied from behind to edge Sao Jose de Areal 8-7 in penalty shootout to win the 1st All Goa Betalbatim Villagers Cup inter-village football tournament, organised by Betabatim Sporting Club.
In a thrilling final at Panchayat Ground, Betalbatim, Sao Jose de Areal broke the deadlock in the 14th minute through Sezwin Ferandes. Cuncolim Union equalised through Trijoy Dias in the 29th minute.
Post resumption, Sao Jose de Areal regained the lead in 42nd minute trough Marcus Mascarenhas. Two minutes later, Bersal Viegas inflated their tally. Down 1-3, Cuncolim regrouped quickly and in the 60th minute, Cliffton Fernandes reduced the margin. Ten minutes later, Trijoy Dias made it 3-3 to force a tiebreaker.
In the shootout, Errin D'Souza, Trijoy Dias, Jeston Fernandes, Franky Pereira, Tandurans Patteker converted for Cuncolim Union, while Barsel Viegas, Marcus Mascarenhas, Sezwin Fernandes, Milton Gomindes scored for Sao Jose de Areal.
Cuncolim Union were richer by Rs one lakh while Sao Jose de Areal had to settle for a prize of Rs 60,000. Nuvem MLA Alex Sequeira was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in the presence of Fr Adriano Furtado, parish priest of Betalbatim Church, Gajanan Chinchankar, Area Sales Manager, Kingfisher, Constancio Miranda, Sarpanch of V P Betalbatim, Sammy Tavares, Suptd of Police, Konkan Railways. Anthony Pango, vice-president of GFA, and Eban Mesquita, coach of Velsao Sports and Cultural Club were also present.
