PANAJI
Rajat Chopdekar struck the match-winner as IF Rafalaz from Mapusa secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against 2 Brothers from Carambolim to clinch the Fourth All Goa Kraft Works Nite seven-a-side football tournament.
The final was played at a frenzied pace with the first half ending goalless. But Chopdekar, who was later adjudged the Player of the tournament, saw his well-struck effort hit a defender before nestling into the far corner of the 2 Brothers goal midway through the second half.
Organised by Jose Fernandes of Kraft Works Nite in memory of his late brother Anton Joao, the tournament attracted a total of 16 teams from across Goa. Chief guest Francisco Raposo, PE teacher at Don Bosco Panaji, FC Goa defender Ali Mohammad and sports journalist Alaric Gomes presented the winners and runners-up prizes after the final. Sponsored by Art Tricks Advertising, the winners walked away with the top prize of Rs 25,000 along with a trophy, while the runners-up received Rs 20,000 and a trophy.
The awards: Best Goalkeeper - Ritesh Nagvecar (IF Rafalaz); Best Defender - Saish (2 Brothers); Player of the Tournament - Rajat Chopdekar (IF Rafalaz).
