RAIA: Goa Velha Sports Club defeated DBO, Fatorda, 4-2, via the tie-breaker to lift the 13th Cana Benaulim Panchayat Cup, organised by United Club of Benaulim and played at St John Baptista football ground, in Dando-Benaulim, on Saturday.
Goa Velha started the match on a promising note with forwards Akash Sanadi and Sainath Kankonkar, but they failed to score. Fatorda's striker Francisco Andrade also missed a close shot, and both teams went into the break with a 0-0 scoreline.
In the second half, heavy rain made playing conditions difficult. Fatorda’s Hanshlum Furtado had a powerful shot saved by Goa Velha keeper Pratik, while Goa Velha’s Sainath Kankonkar hit the crossbar from the edge of the box. Despite both teams having equal opportunities to score, neither could break the deadlock, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the tie-breaker, Goa Velha scored through Sainath Kankonkar, Prasil Kankonkar, Akash Sanadi, and Fredy Afonso. For Fatorda, Clencio Pinto and Francisco Andrade found the net.
Dr Pratima Kesarkar, Principal Scientist at NIO Dona Paula, was the chief guest and presented the prizes in the presence of Fr Aleixo Menezes, PP St John Baptista, Sarpanch Xavier Pereira, Anthony Pango, Sr Vice President GFA, Anthony Leo Mam, Andrew Ferrao, all panchayat members, and other dignitaries and club officials.
Earlier, Dr Pratima was felicitated for her outstanding achievements. Glyda Rodrigues, deputy sarpanch, welcomed the guests, and Doma Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.