Team Goemkarponn
Raia: Fr Agnelo YSC Paroda put on a commanding performance to defeat St Anthony SC Assolda 4-1 and win the 52nd Custodio Memorial Inter-Village Football Tournament, held at the Raia Panchayat football ground. The tournament was organized by Raia Sporting Club and drew large crowds for the much-anticipated final.
The Paroda team walked away with a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 along with the championship trophy, while the runners-up, St Anthony SC Assolda, received ₹70,000 and a trophy. Though Assolda made a couple of early threats through Samuel Piexoto and Richard Fernandes, Paroda quickly took control of the game.
Melson Fernandes opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a powerful strike that beat Oswin Rodrigues in goal. Early in the second half, Selton Fernandes doubled the lead. Substitute Ashwan Fernandes scored the third goal before Sowell Fernandes added a fourth, putting the result beyond doubt. Drayan Fernandes pulled one back for Assolda towards the end, but it was merely a consolation.
Several individual prizes were awarded, with Melson and Sowell Fernandes emerging as joint top scorers of the tournament. Other recognitions included best goalkeeper of the final (Ravil Fernandes), best defender (Alton Vaz), best midfielder (Moses D’Sa), and man of the final (Sowell Fernandes). Calangute Association was declared the most disciplined team.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by chief guest Vijay Sardesai, Ex-Dy CM and MLA of Fatorda. Other dignitaries included Francisco Sardinha, Alex Reginald Lourenco, Dr. Caitano Jose Fernandes, Dominic Gauncar, Jacinta Dias, and several local leaders and community members, making the event a grand celebration of Goan football.
