MARGAO
Nuvem Sports Club clinched the 24th Fr Basilio Andrade Memorial Trophy after a tense, goalless final against CAC Cansaulim, winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout at Musson Grounds, Majorda.
Organised by Associação Académica de Majorda Utorda Calata, the finale lived up to expectations, producing a gripping contest marked by missed chances, last-ditch defending and a dramatic finish.
Cansaulim began confidently, controlling the early exchanges, but Nuvem created the first big opportunity when Albino Pereira dispossessed Chadwick Furtado near the box, only to fire wide. Moments later, Jesus D’Sa sent in a dangerous cross from the left, but there were no takers.
Nuvem continued to threaten, with Aloysious Fernandes twice going close ” first shooting over and then being denied by a timely intervention from Francisco Monteiro. From the resulting corner, Albino’s volley skimmed inches over the bar.
Nuvem’s forward line combined well throughout the first half. A clever header from Melvin Fernandes sent Albino clear on goal, but the striker failed to find the target. Soon after, Albino set up Melvin with a low cross from the right, only for him to lose control at the crucial moment.
The second half was marked by fatigue and resilience. Cansaulim’s goalkeeper, Francisco Saldanha, produced the standout moment of regulation time with a superb diving save to keep out Aloysious’ long-range shot. Despite both sides pushing hard for a winner, neither defence blinked, taking the game to penalties.
In the shootout, Nuvem kept their composure, converting all five spot-kicks with precision. Cansaulim’s Milroy Fernandes sent his effort wide, handing Nuvem the title.
Former MLA Wilfred D’Sa presented the winners’ trophy and a cheque of Rs 50,000 to the triumphant Nuvem squad.
AWARDS
Champions: Nuvem Sports Club, Runners-up: CAC Cansaulim, Man of the Match: Royston Mascarenhas (Nuvem Sports Club), Best Forward: Albino Pereira (Nuvem SC), Best Goalkeeper: Francisco Saldanha (CAC Cansaulim), Best Defender: Slevin de Melo (CAC Cansaulim), Best Half: Chadwick Furtado (CAC Cansaulim), First Scorer of the Finals: Aloysious Fernandes (Nuvem SC), Best Goal of the Tournament: Anslem Fernandes (Curtorim Gymkhana), Fair Play Award: Raia Sports Club
