BENAULIM – Guardian Angel SC produced a superb second-half performance to defeat Navelim Sporting Club 2-0 and lift the prestigious 47th Cana Benaulim Soccer Tournament 2026, organised by Sporting Club Cana Benaulim, at the packed St. John the Baptist Panchayat Ground, Dando, Benaulim, on Sunday.
A large football-loving crowd turned up for the title clash, creating an electrifying atmosphere under the afternoon sun. The opening half was played at a lively pace, with both teams adopting an attacking approach and creating promising moves. Navelim midfielders Joyson Coutinho and Sam Pereira dictated the tempo brilliantly with their precise passing and vision, but Navelim’s forwards lacked the urgency and finishing touch inside the danger area. Despite end-to-end action, neither side managed to break the deadlock as the first session ended 0-0.
The second session began cautiously, with both teams aware that a single mistake could prove decisive. As the match wore on, Guardian Angel gradually took control of the midfield and began piling pressure on the Navelim defence. Salgeo Dias was in inspired form, constantly troubling the backline with his pace and movement, while Navelim goalkeeper Mehboob kept his side in the contest with a series of excellent saves.
Guardian Angel’s relentless pressure finally paid dividends in the 43rd minute when Salgeo Dias found the breakthrough, calmly finishing to take a 1-0 lead. Stung by the setback, Navelim threw more men forward in search of an equaliser but, in doing so, left gaps at the back. Guardian Angel made full use of the opportunity as Reagan Costa sealed the contest with a clinical second goal, ensuring a memorable 2-0 victory.
Guardian Angel deservedly lifted the championship trophy after an outstanding all-round display. Capt Venzy Viegas, of Benaulim Constituency, was the chief guest and distributed the trophies alongside guest of honour Ranjith Cotta Carvalho and other distinguished guests.
In a heartfelt gesture, as announced earlier, Rs 1,05,500 generated from the sale of the housie will be handed over to the family of late Dailon Carvalho, honouring his memory and extending support to his loved ones.
Individual Awards:
- Best Player of the Finals: Ivo Costa (Guardian Angel SC)
- First Scorer of the Finals: Salgeo Dias (Guardian Angel SC)
- Best Midfielder of the Finals: Sam Pereira (Navelim Sporting Club)
- Best Defender of the Finals: Milroy Clemente (Guardian Angel SC)
- Best Goalkeeper of the Finals: Mehboob Sayyed (Navelim Sporting Club)
- Best Forward of the Finals: Salgeo Dias (Guardian Angel SC)
- Upcoming Player of SC Cana Benaulim: Mark Fernandes
- Best Disciplined Team: Sao Jose de Areal
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