MARGAO
United Boys of Ambaulim defeated Wilred Leisure Sports Club 2-0 to win the Varca Panchayat Cup 2025, organised by Varca Sports Club at Varca on Sunday. Jaison Dias starred with a brace to seal a comfortable victory.
United Boys took the lead in the 12th minute when Jaison struck a powerful shot that gave goalkeeper Johnson Bogot no chance. Wilred Leisure SC pressed hard for the equaliser, but Anselm Fernandes missed a close opportunity in the 18th minute. United Boys led 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, Jaison doubled the lead in the 34th minute with a neat finish to put the result beyond doubt. Jaison was adjudged the Player of the Match, Best Striker of the Final and also scored the first goal of the final. Joel Baretto of United Boys was named best midfielder, Mathew Fernandes best defender, and Churchill Carvalho best goalkeeper.
India U-17 football coach Bibiano Fernandes was the chief guest and presented the prizes. Fr Eremito Coutinho, former vice-president of Salcete Football Club and currently serving the Majorda parish, was the guest of honour.
Goa’s 14-year-old chess prodigy Ethan Vaz of Raia was also felicitated for his outstanding international achievements, including winning 11 medals for India this year and holding the International Master title.
Varca sarpanch Flavia Baretto presided over the function, while Jimreeves Rodrigues e Rebello, general secretary of Varca Sports Club, and Tennyson Rosa, vice-president, were among the special invitees.
United Boys of Ambaulim received Rs 40,000, the trophy and gold medals, while runners-up Wilred Leisure Sports Club were awarded Rs 30,000, the trophy and silver medals. Losing semi-finalists St Anthony Club, Colva, and Dando Boys Club, Benaulim, received Rs 5,000 each.
