Dramapur, – In a captivating display of resilience and skill, Guardian Angel SC emerged victorious in the 46th St. Joseph Festival Football Tournament, defeating a spirited Mandopa Sporting side 2-1 in a fiercely contested final on Sunday. The team staged a impressive comeback after conceding an early goal to lift the coveted trophy.
The match lived up to its billing, with all the fireworks concentrated in a thrilling first half. Mandopa Sporting drew first blood, with Nash Pereira finding the back of the net in the 5th minute to give his team an early lead.
However, Guardian Angel SC responded with determination. The equalizer came in the 15th minute, courtesy of a strike from Fhezer Gomes. The turnaround was completed just nine minutes later when Vitorino Fernandes scored what would prove to be the championship-winning goal in the 24th minute.
The second half saw intense battles in midfield, but with defenses holding firm, the 2-1 scoreline remained until the final whistle, sparking celebrations for the Guardian Angel SC squad and their supporters.
A Glittering Prize Ceremony
The post-match ceremony was graced by eminent dignitaries, including former India coach and Dronacharya awardee, Armando Colaco, as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Velim MLA, Cruz Silva. Fr. Pascoal Afonso (Parish Priest of St. Joseph Church, Dramapur), Fr. Joel (Assistant Parish Priest of St. Inez Church), and Edwin Cardozo (Zilla Panchayat member) were the Guests of Honour. Also present were Avita Pereira, Sarpanch of VP Dramapur-Sirlim, and other panchayat members.
Guardian Angel SC was awarded a cash prize of ₹60,000 and the championship trophy, while the runners-up, Mandopa Sporting, received ₹50,000 and a trophy.
Individual Accolades
The tournament recognized several outstanding performers for their contributions in the final:
- Best Player of the Final: Vitorino Fernandes (Guardian Angel SC)
- Best Half of the Final: Roston Costa (Guardian Angel SC)
- Best Forward of the Final: Sam Pereira (Mandopa Sporting)
- Best Defender of the Final: Alton Vaz (Guardian Angel SC)
- Best Goalkeeper of the Final: Oswin Rodrigues
- First Scorer of the Final: Nash Pereira (Mandopa Sporting)
In a special gesture, the Best Discipline Team award was presented to United Sports Club of Seraulim.
Beyond the footballing action, the club felicitated the Chief Guest, Mr. Armando Colaco, and also honored the local SSC toppers for their academic excellence.
Club Secretary, Mr. Joaquim, concluded the event by proposing a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for making the 46th edition of the tournament a resounding success.
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