CANACONA
St. Anne’s Institute, Agonda clinched a long-overdue and hard-fought victory to defeat defending champions The Kings School, Sao Jose de Areal and lift the Sir Jawaharlal Da Costa Memorial All-Goa Inter-School Football (U-14 Girls) Trophy was organised by the United Sports Club of Seraulim, played at the SAG ground in Seraulim.
Loyola High School, Margao clinched the U-12 Boys title by defeating Marina School with a solitary goal, and Perpetual Succour Convent School, Navelim edged past Loyola High School in the U-14 Boys final via a penalty shootout, all eyes were on the intense U-14 Girls final between tournament debutants St. Anne’s Institute, Agonda and the seasoned champions The Kings School, played in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Coming from behind to level the match at 1-1 in regulation time, St. Anne’s Girls outplayed The Kings School in the penalty shoot-out, scoring three goals against their opponent’s lone conversion.
For the Agonda Queens, this win was sweet revenge ” having suffered heavy defeats in previous encounters with the Salcette giants: 0-13, 0-10, 0-7, and 1-3.
In the first half, St. Anne’s missed at least three scoring opportunities. One powerful strike from captain Gwyneth Fernandes hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play, but Delisha fumbled a clear chance with only the goalkeeper to beat. The Kings capitalised on a lapse in Agonda’s defence, with captain Neha scoring to go 1-0 up at the lemon break.
After switching sides, Agonda intensified their attack. Gwyneth’s corner beat the entire Kings defence but narrowly missed guiding into the net. Minutes later, it was Gwyneth herself who levelled the score with a brilliant goal. Goalkeeper Kavya made crucial saves to preserve the draw, pushing the match into a penalty shoot-out.
In the shoot-out, Gwyneth, Kavya, and Ayesha converted their penalties, while Kavya made a brilliant save and another Kings player missed wide. The final score stood at 4-2 (1-1 regular time, 3-1 penalties), sealing the title and cash award for St. Anne’s Institute in memory of Sir Jawaharlal Da Costa. The team is trained and coached by PE Teacher Anjelo Silva.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Fr. Jose Gomes (Parish Priest of Seraulim Church), Benaulim MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas, GFA President Dr. Caitano Fernandes, the wife of the late Sir Jawaharlal Da Costa, the Sarpanch of Seraulim Village Panchayat, and officials of the United Sports Club of Seraulim, among other dignitaries.
