MARGAO
A splendid brace by Valentino Carvalho helped hosts Chandor Club come back from behind to inscribe their name on the glittering 47th Chandor Seamen Rolling Trophy after beating Curtorim Gymkhana 3-1 in an exciting final at Church ground, Chandor on Sunday.
Chandor Club were trailing 0-1 at the breather. The match was entertaining, especially in the first half, as both the teams had a go at the opposition goal, forcing the keepers at either end make good saves. Curtorim Gymkhana rocked the rival citadel in the 7th minute when James Fernandes nodded home off a well-measured cross from the flanks. Egged on by the home crowds, Chandor Club upped the ante and made some sorties in rival half but the equaliser eluded them.
In the second half, Chandor Club were a transformed side and their forwards troubled the rival defence with well-orchestrated raids. Valentino Carvalho punted the ball to the far corner of the net to put his team on equal terms. Boosted by the equaliser, Chandor Club intensified their attacks and Valentino gained the lead in the 53rd minute. Six minutes later, Victorino Fernandes sealed the rivals' fate with a snap shot.
Chandor Club were awarded a cash prize of Rs 70,000 while Curtorim Gymkhana had to settle for a prize of Rs 50,000. The following players were awarded: Best goalkeeper of the tournament - Allwyn Faria of Chandor Club, Highest scorer of the tournament - Victorino Fernandes of Chandor Club, Best goalkeeper of the Finals: Allwyn Faria of Chandor Club, Best defender of the Finals: Myson Fernandes, Best half of the Finals: James Fernandes, Best forward of the Finals: Victorino Fernandes, Impressive player of Chandor Club: Sildon Peixoto, Devoted player of Chandor Club: Louie Noronha.
President of Chandor Club, Felix Furtado felicitated former footballers Estefanio Dias and Vincy Antao. A Lifetime Achievement award was conferred on Fernando Coutinho, long-standing past president of Chandor Club and the donor of the land to construct the club building.
Chief guest, Cuncolim MLA and CLP leader Yuri Alemao stressed on the need to improve the grassroots level football in order to build a national level team. He also promised to provide additional facilities at the football ground, if permitted by the church committee. The winners received their medals and the trophy from the Chief Guest.
The runners-up trophy and medals were handed over by the guest of honour, Altone D’Costa, MLA of Quepem Constituency, in the presence of guest of honour Rev Fr Jean Da Cruz Fernandes, Parish Priest Chandor Club, Patwin Fijardo (president of Guirdolim Club) and Welvino Menezes, GFA executive member.
