UB Ambaulim claim UCT Trophy

MARGAO
United Boys of Ambaulim lifted the UCT Trophy after registering a narrow 1-0 victory over Canacona SCC in the final of the United Club of Telaulim football tournament, played at the Government Primary School ground, Telaulim, on Sunday.
The final was evenly contested, with both sides creating early chances. Canacona SCC came close to taking the lead when Chaitan Kamorpant tested Ambaulim goalkeeper Ibon Fernandes, who punched the ball away for a corner. Ambaulim responded through Sowell Fernandes, whose close-range effort failed to break the deadlock, as the teams went into half-time locked at 0-0.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Sowell Fernandes delivered a cross from the right flank, which substitute Alex Fernandes met with a powerful left-footed strike that found the net. The goal proved to be the match-winner and secured the trophy for Ambaulim.
Former Chief Minister Churchill Alemao was the chief guest and presented the prizes in the presence of Valanka Alemao, chairperson of the AIFF Women’s Committee and a member of the FIFA Women’s Football Development Committee. Among those present were Fr Gabriel Coutinho, parish priest of Rosary Church, Navelim; Fr Valentine Alvares, chaplain of Mount Carmel, Telaulim; Rommy Ferrao; Kedar Jagdale; Lovel Carvalho; Prakash Dessai, former secretary of Cuncolim Union; Cris Gomes; Walter Cabral; Dr Francisco Lobo; Alister Ferrao; and Romeo Gomes, along with other dignitaries and club officials.
Alex Fernandes of Ambaulim was named first scorer and man of the match. Chaitan Kamorpant of Canacona was adjudged best forward, while Sowell Fernandes (Ambaulim) won the best midfielder award. Velvino Fernandes of Canacona was named best defender and Ibon Fernandes of Ambaulim was adjudged best goalkeeper. St Sebastian Youth Club, Murida, Fatorda, received the best disciplined team award, while Clencio Pinto of St Sebastian Murida won the Goan Puskas Award for the best goal of the tournament.

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