Benaulim: United Club Ambaulim emerged as worthy champions of the 25th Benaulim Panchayat Cup Football Tournament, organized by Dando Boys Club Benaulim, with a commanding 2-0 victory over Our Lady of Gloria SC Raia in a thrilling final played at the St. John the Baptist Panchayat Ground.
A large Sunday crowd witnessed an intense contest as both sides displayed attacking intent from the opening whistle. Raia’s Lloyd Cardozo and Klins Mendes combined brilliantly, testing the Ambaulim goalkeeper with dangerous efforts, but the deadlock remained unbroken at halftime.
After the restart, Ambaulim raised their intensity and began dictating proceedings. Sowell and Felixon Fernandes constantly troubled the Raia defence, and their persistence paid off when Felixon Fernandes broke the deadlock in the 44th minute with a well-taken finish. Raia pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their hopes suffered a major setback five minutes later when Royal Oliveira unleashed a stunning long-range strike that doubled Ambaulim’s advantage.
Despite Raia’s spirited efforts, Ambaulim held firm to secure a memorable victory and lift the coveted trophy.
Former DIG of Prisons, Elvis Gomes, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and presented the trophies, alongside Guest of Honour Luiza Pereira ZP Member, Sarpanch Xavier Pereira, and other dignitaries.
Individual Awards:
- Best Defender: Velito Cruz (Raia)
- Best Half: Joyson Gaukar (Raia)
- Best Goalkeeper (Final): Ibon Fernandes (Ambaulim)
- First Goal (Final): Felixon Fernandes (Ambaulim)
- Best Striker (Final): Royal Oliveira (Ambaulim)
- Best Disciplined Team: Betalbalim SC
- Highest Scorer: Lloyd Cardozo (Raia)
- Best Player (Tournament): Sowell Fernandes (Ambaulim)
- Best Player (Final): Joel Barretto (Ambaulim)
The grand finale brought a fitting conclusion to another successful edition of the prestigious Benaulim Panchayat Cup.
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