Cavelossim: Sao Jose de Areal Sports Club clinched the coveted Cavelossim Villagers UK Cup 2025 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Parish Youth Nuvem in a fiercely contested final held at the Fr Druston and Wellington Ground, Cavelossim. The tournament was organised by the Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim.
Under clear skies and in front of an enthusiastic crowd, it was Nuvem who drew first blood. Alvito Dias set up Meinsley Barreto with a clever through ball, and Barreto made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past Areal’s keeper Dezi Oliveira to give Nuvem an early 1-0 lead.
Areal responded strongly, with veteran campaigners Rayman Fernandes and Clifford Soares taking control of the midfield. Their persistence paid off when a move initiated by Alvito Moura saw David Colaco’s attempt strike Leroy Colaco’s hand in the box. Referee Mario Pereira awarded a penalty, which Bersal Viegas confidently converted to level the match at 1-1 before halftime.
In the second half, Areal dominated play. Bersal Viegas scored his second with a powerful long-range effort that beat goalkeeper Melwin Fernandes, putting Areal ahead 2-1. Ten minutes later, Tyson Carvalho was brought down in the box by Inacio Colaco, leading to another penalty. Viegas completed his hat-trick with a precise strike, extending Areal’s lead to 3-1.
Nuvem fought back with Jonas Colaco reducing the deficit to 3-2, but Areal’s defence held firm in the closing minutes to secure the victory and claim their maiden UK Cup title, along with a cash prize of ₹60,000.
The final also saw several outstanding individual performances being recognized. Leroy Colaco of Nuvem was awarded Best Defender, while Ashnoy Gomes of Sao Jose de Areal was named Best Midfielder. The Best Goalkeeper award went to Dezi Oliveira, also from Areal, for his composed and reliable presence between the posts. Meinsley Barreto of Nuvem was honoured as the First Goal Scorer of the final. The star of the evening, Bersal Viegas of Sao Jose de Areal, walked away with the Man of the Match award for his brilliant hat-trick that sealed the title for his team. The Best Disciplined Team title was awarded to CAC Cansaulim, acknowledging their exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.
The final was graced by several dignitaries including Mr. Bibiano Fernandes, Chief Coach of India U-19 National Team and former player-coach of SCC Cavelossim, Fr. Ubaldo Fernandes (Parish Priest), Mr. Antonio Pango (Senior Vice-President, GFA), Mr. Constancio Rodrigues (President, Goa Referees Association), Mr. Melwin D’Costa, Mr. Laju Miranda (Ex-Sarpanch), and Fr. Tony.
Local journalists Mr. Charles D’Souza, Inacio Noronha, Ganadeep Sheldekar, and Sandeep Redkar were felicitated alongside Mr. Bibiano Fernandes for their contributions to Goan sports.
In his address, Mr. Bibiano Fernandes expressed his gratitude to Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, acknowledging it as the platform that launched his coaching career in the professional league.
The program began with a minute of silence in memory of Lawrence Pereira, the late GFA South Goa office in-charge.
Mr. John Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks and also conducted the ceremony.
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