MARGAO
Parish Youth Nuvem emerged triumphant in a thrilling final of the 33rd Super Soccer Tournament against St Jose de Areal, winning 5-3 via a tiebreaker after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
The final of the tournament organised in memory of the late Joao Francis Fernandes by United Boys of Dando Colva was played at St John the Baptist ground in Dando Benaulim on Sunday.
Despite continuous rains, a large crowd gathered to witness the exciting showdown. The wet field posed challenges for both Parish Youth Nuvem and St Jose de Areal, affecting ball control throughout the match.
Joywin D’Costa opened the scoring for Nuvem in the 15th minute, capitalising on a defence-splitting pass from Inacio Colaco to give his team a 1-0 lead going into halftime. In the second half, St Jose de Areal intensified their efforts and eventually equalised with a late goal from Tyson Carvalho, whose strike found the corner of the net, levelling the score at 1-1.
With no further goals in regulation time, the match proceeded to a tiebreaker, where Parish Youth Nuvem exhibited superior composure and skill. They converted their penalties efficiently, clinching the victory with a 5-3 scoreline in the shootout.
The awards ceremony was graced by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas as the chief guest, with Reverend Father Simpliciano, Parish Priest of Colva, present as the guest of honour. Special invitees from the Goa Football Association Executive Committee, including Anthony Fernandes (alias Mam), Patwin Figueredo, Cosme Oliveira, Ravi Cabral, Andrew Ferrao, and Constancio Pal, were also present to distribute prizes to the deserving players and teams.
AWARDS: Tournament - Promising player: Kayden Fernandes (UC Benaulim), Best goalkeeper: Pravesh Borkar (Fr Agnel Paroda), Best midfielder: Venito Costa (Navelim Villagers Union), Best defender: Niclao Colaco (Parish Youth Nuvem); Finals - Best goalkeeper: Austin Costa (St Jose de Areal), Best defender: Cedar Colaco (Parish Youth Nuvem), Best midfielder: Raymond Fernandes (St Jose de Areal), Best forward: Joywin D’Costa (Parish Youth Nuvem), First goal: Joywin D’Costa (Parish Youth Nuvem), Farewell goal: Joywin D’Costa (Parish Youth Nuvem), Man of the finals: Inacio Colaco (Parish Youth Nuvem).
