MARGAO
Vasco Veterans edged Sai Veterans B23 5-4 on penalties to win the St Joseph Festival Veterans football tournament organized by Dramapur Veterans at Dramapur ground. The teams were tied 1-1 at full time.
Sai Veterans went ahead in the 30th minute when Caitan Xavier slotted past the goalkeeper with a snap shot off an assist by Bibiano Fernandes. Crossing over, Vasco Veterans equalized in the 38th minute through Uday Naik.
In the tiebreaker, Vasco scored through Anand, Nelson, Vishant and Uday Naik, while Sai Veterans B23 netted through Alex, Francis and Clifford. Shots from Bibian and Venancio were saved by Vasco goalkeeper Anand who was named the Hero of the match.
Vasco took away a cash prize of Rs 35,000 and the winning trophy while Sai Veterans pocketed a prize of Rs 25,000 and a trophy. Individual prizes: First scorer of the final - Caitan Xavier of Sai, Best forward of final - Seby Vaz of Vasco, Best half of final - Vishant Pedneker, Best defender - Lawrence Fernandes of Sai, Most disciplined team - Morjim Veterans, Best player of the tournament - Menino of Dramapur Veterans.
Reggie Vaz, a veteran footballer, was the chief guest and gave away the prizes in presence of Fr Victor Viegas, parish priest of Dramapur Church, Edwin Cardozo (Cipru), ZP member, Navelim, and Soccor Vaz, veteran footballer. SSC toppers of 2019-20 and 2020-21 were also felicitated by the club on the occasion.
