In an exciting soccer final played at Kheitan Stadium for the XI edition of Goan Overseas Association Rolling Trophy, deservingly AVC won by outplaying their strong challengers Bombay Boys by scoring 3 � 1 goals. All the 4 goals were magnificent; rarely one could see such goals in matches organized by KIFF. Though the number of spectators was not as high as one could see at Sour Ground yet people came in good number to see this final and went back home with the satisfaction of being witness to an excellent brand of soccer though at times due to excitement one could easily notice flaying of tempers by both the team players against some of the decisions of the referee which rightly or wrongly had a final say. For example, when on the advice of Linesman Tony D�Cruz, the referee P.A. Tony Red Carded star player of AVC Jimmy Goveia in the 15th minute of the second half, there was commotion against this decision. On enquiry it was learnt that Jimmy Goveia used foul language against his own player and not against any of the opponent players or against linesman. Otherwise Jimmy Goveia the son of one of the then great Goveia brothers, all donning the colours of the then mighty Shantilal Soccer Team of Goa was a star of AVC today and if it was not for this Red Card he stood very good chance to win the Man of the Match Award which ultimately went to Edwin Fernandes. Edwin till 2 months back was playing in Goa, representing Franca but loaned to Colva. He is a new comer to Kuwait and very encouraging too.
Due to strong heat especially in the second half most of the players turned pale as heat and sun rays were sapping their energies. This situation could have been easily avoided if the orgnisers have started the match in time instead of delaying it. The chief guest for the final was Mr. Charles D�Sa a lover and promoter of sports and once during his hey days prominent sportsman. Mr. Charles D�Sa is the Managing Director of Bassam International Company that sponsored this tournament. Sudden attendees for today's final was Justine Viegas coming from UK just yesterday. Till a year back, Justin was the member of KIFF managing committee and was deeply involved in the promotion of our soccer. He will be here for a few days and then depart to Goa.
From what I saw on last Friday semifinal AVC defeating G.O.A. Maroons by3-1, I could easily make my assessment that they will surely win the final today and rightly they did it though in the last semifinal Maroons were let down mainly by their ageing and concentration losing Julio Cardoso under Maroons bar. Today in the final AVC played more as a homogenous entity with short passing and with a very good defensive line marshaled by their deep defender Wincy who being sure footed in both the legs was very good in the aerial duels. In their midfield they were ably assisted by their skipper Tiago who orchestrated most of the moves and in their front line Jimmy Goveia and Edwin created the desired effects. Bombay Boys on the other hand relied on long rage passing. Their hard working and untiring Prakash along with Roy and right outer Miranda were in bombastic form and they did much of the rowing from all sides with the help of Prashant in the defensive line. However, inspite of all their efforts and backing of their strong supporters they failed to carry the day.
The first goal of the final was scored by AVC in the 15the minute of the first half when their left outer Jimmy Goveia on the left flank dribbling past 2 defenders near the goalmouth of Bombay Boys nicely fed the ball to Elvis whose hurriedly taken header gave no chance to Jose under the bar of Bombay Boys. Within 10 minutes to the delight of their supporters Bombay Boys equalized thru a magnificent powerful header by their forward Roy who in a perfect coordination from the corner kick taken by Prakash hit such a powerful header that rival custodian was totally baffled under AVC bar. Rarely have I seen such a powerful goal scored thru a header. Only once I noticed at Sour Ground such a goal scored by gigantic figure Antonio Rebello who once donned the colours for All India XI. The second goal of AVC came in the 25th minute when Miranda from right flank outpaced two defenders and passed to ball to left flank for unmarked Jimmy Goveia to do the clinical finishing. The third and final goal of the match was again beautifully scored by Jimmy Goveia who in a solo attempt from outside the box sprinted with the ball and hammered such a power packed shot that Jose manning the goal of Bombay Boys had no chance to halt it. During the last 15 minutes Bombay Boys coached by Leo Machado who once donned the colours of G.O.A. Maroons at Sour Grounds and earlier for Sesa Goa in Goa dominated the proceedings and even dictating their terms to AVC but as I said earlier AVC defense was as firm as Rock.
The man of the match award was given to Edwin Fernandes of AVC. Award for scoring fastest goal of the tournament went to Derrick of Bombay Boys. Tony Correia and James Figeira of G.O.A. Maroons were given special awards for their long time services to G.O.A.
In his short address, the president of G.O.A. Raymond D�Sa thanked everyone for making this tournament a success and of course as he righly added �without any untoward incident�. Mr. Charles D�Sa congratulated the winners and runners-up for displaying a good brand of soccer and assured his normal assistance for such events. Tony Correia proposed the vote of thanks.
A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait.
_________________________________________________________________
MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus
##########################################################################
# Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts #
# More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others #
##########################################################################
