MARGAO
United Club of Verna defeated Parish Youth Nuvem 1-0 to clinch the Lourdes Festival Soccer title in the Goa Inter-Village Football Tournament, held in memory of Late Nicholas. The thrilling final was played on Sunday at the SAG Ground in Utorda.
The final was a nail-biting encounter that kept spectators on edge, with both teams battling intensely but unable to break the deadlock in the first half. The score remained 0-0 at the interval.
In the 58th minute, Ivo Colaso from Nuvem had a golden opportunity to put his team ahead but missed the target from close range. At the other end, a defender from Nuvem made a brilliant goal-line clearance with his head.
The match was decided in the 50th minute when Desmond Pereira of Verna scored the only goal of the match, securing the victory and the title for United Club of Verna.
The chief guest for the event, Savio Madeira, Technical Director of Sporting Clube de Goa and former India coach, presented the prize to the winners. The ceremony was attended by guest of honour Rosita Rodrigues, Fr Arvino Fernandes, who presided over the occasion, along with Andrew Ferrao, GFA executive member. Sports Secretaries Pascoal Vaz and Tony Vincent Fernandes coordinated the event.
The President of United Club of Utorda welcomed the guests, and Secretary Tony LC Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Shawn Pereira.
Individual awards:
- Best Disciplined Team: Benefica Sports Club Vasco
- Up-and-coming Player: Oscar Bracanza (UC Utorda)
- Best Goalkeeper of the Finals: Mackvino Colaco (PY Nuvem)
- Best Defender of the Finals: Desmond Gama (UC Verna)
- Best Striker of the Finals: Clifton Rebelo (UC Verna)
- 1st Scorer of the Finals: Desmond Pereira (UC Verna)
- Man of the Match: Sheldon Pereira (UC Verna)
- Best Midfielder: Inacio Colaco (PY Nuvem)
