Team Goemkarponn
Benaulim: In a gripping finale that showcased the enduring spirit of veteran footballers, Calangute Veterans emerged victorious in the All Goa 8-a-Side Veterans Tournament, organized by the UK Goans Dynamic Group. The tournament, held at the Dando Ground in Benaulim, was marked by a dominant performance from Calangute Veterans, who defeated Benaulim Veterans 3-0.
The match was attended by notable figures, including Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardessai, MLA Carlos Ferreira, and social activist Anthony Silva, who added to the event’s prestige. However, Benaulim Veterans faced an early setback when their star forward, Pele Fernandes, was injured in the 2nd minute, a blow that significantly impacted their game strategy.
Dominant Performance Secures Victory
Calangute Veterans capitalized on Benaulim’s misfortune, securing the title with a convincing 3-0 win. The match took place at the Dando Ground, Benaulim, and was a testament to the organizational efforts of the UK Goans Dynamic Group.
The injury to Pele Fernandes in the early minutes of the game hampered Benaulim’s offensive capabilities, allowing Calangute Veterans to take control. Markus from Calangute Veterans scored the first goal in the 10th minute with a brilliant header from a well-executed corner, setting the tone for the rest of the match. By the end of the first half, Calangute led 1-0, with their midfield trio of Robert, Markus, and Allwyn dominating possession.
In the second half, Benaulim Veterans pushed hard for an equalizer but were met with robust counter-attacks from Calangute. Seby extended Calangute’s lead in the 40th minute, and Agustin sealed the victory with a clinical finish just five minutes later, making it 3-0. Despite their efforts, Benaulim Veterans were unable to breach the solid defense of Calangute.
Awards and Recognition
The event was graced by the presence of Fatorda MLA Vijay Sardessai, MLA Carlos Ferreira, and social activist Anthony Silva, who distributed the winner’s trophy, runner-up trophy, and cash prizes. Key awards included Best Scorer of the Finals (Markus – Calangute Veterans), Best Forward and Highest Scorer (Robert Fernandes – Calangute Veterans), Best Defender (Yuri Ferrao – Benaulim Veterans), Enthusiastic Player of the Tournament (Pele Fernandes – Benaulim Veterans), and Best Midfielder (Santan Furtado – Benaulim Veterans).
