MARGAO
Guirdolim Club emerged victorious in the UCT Trophy inter-village football tournament final, defeating Rossman Cruz Nagoa Verna 2-1 at the Government Primary School ground in Telaulim on Sunday.
Guirdolim dominated the game from the outset, peppering the opposition goal with persistent attacks. Their efforts paid off in the 19th minute when Valentino Carvalho fired them ahead. Buoyed by the lead, Guirdolim pressed further, and Joaquim Carvalho doubled their advantage with a well-taken goal in the 33rd minute.
After the break, Guirdolim seemed to relax their grip on the game, allowing Rossman Cruz a foothold. Their persistence resulted in a goal in the 55th minute through Noel D'Cruz, setting up a tense finish. However, Guirdolim held firm to secure the victory.
Guirdolim Club received a winner's prize of Rs 50,000, while Rossman Cruz took home Rs 40,000 and the runner-up trophy. The tournament's Best Player award went to Noel D'Silva of Rossman Cruz, while Joaquim Carvalho of Guirdolim Club was named best midfielder.
The tournament saw Churchill Alemao, former chief minister of Goa and ex-MP, as the chief guest. He awarded the prizes to the winners and runners-up in the presence of Fr Valentine Alvares, Chaplain of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel, Telaulim, Edwin Cardozo (Cipru), ZP member Navelim, Aleixo da Costa, State Nodal Officer for Lok Sabha elections, and other dignitaries and club officials.
