In a heart-stopping conclusion to the 1st Edition of the Assolna Velim, Cuncolim Chinchinim (AVCC) Open Invitational 9-A-Side Football Tournament, Harrison XI Cuncolim emerged victorious over Pedda Boys Ambelim in a nail-biting penalty shootout. The tournament, held in memory of Fr. Druston Correia, Mr. Macduf Monteiro, and Fr. Nevil Gracias, showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship at the Velim ground.
A Battle of Titans
The final match was a testament to the skill and determination of both teams. Harrison XI Cuncolim’s Bashlan Martin nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target. Pedda Boys Ambelim’s Jovel Dsilva had his own chance to clinch glory but couldn’t capitalize on a golden opportunity.
As the match intensified, Ansh Patil of Harrison XI Cuncolim came agonizingly close with a downward header, only to be denied by a heroic goal-line clearance from Pedda Boys’ Floyd Furtado in the dying minutes. With both teams unable to find the back of the net, the match ended in a goalless draw after full time.
Penalty Drama Unfolds
The tension reached fever pitch as the teams entered a penalty shootout. Harrison XI Cuncolim demonstrated nerves of steel, with Rohan Gauncar, Ansh Patil, Hagen Diniz, and Vayne Peres all successfully converting their spot-kicks. Pedda Boys Ambelim fought valiantly, with Lester Fernandes and Crosly Luis finding the net, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their opponents’ clinical finishing.
Individual Brilliance Recognized
The tournament also celebrated individual achievements:
- Promising Player of the Tournament: Glaton Fernandes (Santacruz SC, Combiebhat)
- Promising Midfielder of the Tournament: Prasad (Mixed Boys, Velim)
- First Scorer of the Final: Rohan Gauncar (Harrison XI, Cuncolim)
- Best Defender of the Final: Rohan Gauncar (Harrison XI, Cuncolim)
A Community United
Fr. Santo Antonio Pereira, Parish Priest of St. Xavier Church Velim, presented the awards to the winners and runners-up. The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Benjamin Silva (President of Ambelim SC), Mr. Pradeep Chari Mangor (Lokmanya Co-op Credit Society), Menini Fernandes (proprietor of Grace Event), and Mr. Tony Fernandes (former Superintendent of Police).
Lorry Colaco extended a warm welcome to all attendees, while Demin D’Cruz delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, bringing the memorable tournament to a close.
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