Team Goemkarponn
Betalbatim: Navelim Sporting Club emerged champions of the 4th Betalbatim Villagers Cup after defeating United Club of Verna 5-3 via penalties in a thrilling final played at the Betalbatim panchayat ground. The grand finale, organised by Betalbatim Sporting Club, witnessed a turnout of over 3,000 football fans and coincided with the feast day celebrations of St. Bartholomeu.
UC Verna took an early lead through Roydon Rego, but their advantage lasted barely a minute as Navelim’s Noah Luis quickly struck the equaliser. With the score locked 1-1 at full time, the title was decided through a penalty shootout, where Navelim Sporting Club held their nerve and proved more clinical from the spot to lift the coveted trophy.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Goa, as the chief guest. He was joined by Rev. Fr. Adrião Furtado, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Remedios Church, Betalbatim; Rev. Fr. Agapito D’Cunha of Betalbatim Parish; Bruno Coutinho, Assistant Director of Coaching at SAG; Rev. Fr. Lino D’Sa of Grace Church, Margao; Rev. Fr. Luciano Falcao of SFX; along with the Sarpanch and members of VP Betalbatim. GFA Vice-President Anthony Pango, executive members of the Goa Football Association, and Prayam Damaskar of Damodar Enterprises were also present on the occasion.
The tournament also saw individual honours being presented. Kanaya of Siolim received the award for the first hat-trick of the tournament, while St. Rock, Majorda were adjudged the Best Disciplined Team. Roydon Rego of UC Verna was credited with the first goal of the final, Mohammad of Navelim was named Best Goalkeeper, and his teammate Noah Luis bagged the Best Striker award. The Man of the Match title went to Velington Almeida of Navelim SC, whose performance proved decisive in the final outcome.
With their spirited performance and composure under pressure, Navelim Sporting Club etched their name in the tournament’s history, lifting the 4th Betalbatim Villagers Cup in front of their jubilant supporters.
