PANAJI
FC Goa triumphed in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, defeating Kerala Blasters 4-3 to secure the inaugural Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy at a packed Duler Stadium on Saturday.
The match was a rollercoaster of missed opportunities and dramatic saves. FC Goa's Laltlanzova and Deeshank came close to breaking the deadlock in regulation time but were denied by the Kerala keeper.
Kerala had their moments too, with Sreekuttan M S and Muhammed Nisham forcing saves from FC Goa's keeper Bob Raj. The game intensified after the break, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert.
A last-minute scare for FC Goa saw Kerala's Sherin Salari nearly snatch victory, but Bob Raj's heroics ensured the game went to penalties. Raj saved two crucial penalties, sealing FC Goa's triumph and sparking jubilant celebrations among the nearly 5,000-strong crowd.
Goa's Sports Minister Govind Gaude praised the tournament's success and thanked the Goa Government and GFA President Caitano Fernandes for their efforts “Bhausaheb Bandodkar was a visionary leader and sports lover, thanks to the CM Dr Pramod Sawant, this tournament has been made possible.” Continuing, he said “We will make the existing infrastructure international level, as that is what the people of Goa deserves, given that football runs in our veins.”
“When a leader is brave, everything falls in place. That is (GFA President) Caitano’s initiative, thanks to his hard work and everyone at GFA, this tournament has run smoothly and has given us such brilliant football.”
Dr Fernandes, in turn, expressed his gratitude to all participants and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. “On behalf of GFA, I thank everyone who has participated, taken time to attend and out CM Dr Pramod Sawant and Sports minister Govind Gaude." said the president.
Speaking on the revival of the trophy, he said “The dream from 1994 has been fulfilled after so long thanks to SM Govind Gaude. This has been a grand event and success, and it has even seen coverage on FIFA+.
He also revealed ambitious plans for the tournament's future, including invitations to teams from Australia, South America, and Japan.
“With permission from the government, the next edition will be even bigger and better, with participation from foreign teams as well. A team from Australia has already confirmed, we are trying teams from South America and Japan as well.”
