MARGAO
Navelim Sporting etched their name on the 34th St Anne's Festival Inter-Village Soccer Cup 2024 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Don Bosco Oratory Fatorda in the final.
The match, held at the Animal Husbandry Ground in Curti Ponda and organized by the Ponda Footballers, attracted a crowd of over 1,000 spectators. The event was sponsored by Dr Ketan Bhatikar and took place on the feast day of their patron, St Anna.
The final saw two South Goa title contenders battling it out. Despite a promising start, with Fatorda's Hanshlum Furtado missing a chance in the 5th minute and Meliston Dias heading over the bar in the 10th minute, it was Navelim Sporting who struck first. In the 15th minute, Frenden Pires scored with a precise placement, giving Navelim Sporting a 1-0 lead that they maintained until halftime.
In the second half, Don Bosco Fatorda increased their offensive efforts, but their forwards, including Elroy Barreto, Hanshlum Furtado, and Richie Vaz, failed to convert their opportunities. Navelim Sporting also struggled to extend their lead, with attempts from Trevis, Anil, and Rovan missing the target. In the closing minutes, Fatorda’s Alfred Noronha missed a critical chance to equalize when his volley sailed over the bar. In injury time, Navelim Sporting sealed their victory with a goal from Noah Luis, who scored from the penalty area, leaving the Don Bosco goalkeeper with no chance.
Dr Bhatikar, the chief guest, presented the awards during the ceremony. He was joined by Fr Francisco Rosario, Parish Priest of St Anne’s Church Ponda; Fr Hemant; Dr Rama Parab of Animal Husbandry; Paulo Vaz; Sandip Opkar; and other dignitaries and club officials. Franky served as the event's commentator.
Awards: Best Goalkeeper - Selwin Gomes (Navelim Sporting), Best Defender - Declan D’Costa (Navelim Sporting), Best Half - Velton Dsouza (Don Bosco Fatorda), Best Forward: Meliston Dias (Navelim Sporting).
