MARGAO
Quepem Veterans defeated Calangute Veterans 4–3 via a tie-breaker to win the 2nd Assolda Veterans Cup, organised by Assolda Veterans in memory of late Joao Francisco Cabral. The final was played at Kamsai Moll Ground, Assolda, on Saturday.
The final proved to be an exciting and closely contested encounter, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but failing to break the deadlock during regulation time. Calangute Veterans came close through a powerful strike by Bruno Coutinho, which was punched away by Quepem goalkeeper Anil Fernandes. Pascoal Fernandes of Quepem saw his header hit the crossbar and go out of play, forcing the match into a penalty shootout that extended into the second round.
In the tie-breaker, Pascoal Fernandes, Jaffer, Ivon Coutinho, and Anil Fernandes converted their kicks for Quepem Veterans, while Benedito, Ramesh, and Allwyn scored for Calangute Veterans.
Nilesh Cabral, MLA of Curchorem, was the chief guest, while Siddharth Gauns Desai, Chairman of the South Goa Zilla Parishad, was the guest of honour. Custodio Fernandes, Sarpanch of Assolda, along with Pobre Menezes, Jose Rebello, and other club officials, were also present for the final.
Pascoal Fernandes of Quepem Veterans was the first scorer of the match. Allwyn of Calangute Veterans was named Man of the Final, Anil Fernandes of Quepem Veterans received the Best Goalkeeper award, and Ramesh of Calangute Veterans was awarded Best Defender.
