XVIIth Navelim Y.C Rolling Trophy Semis
DHL shock Kuwait Goans; AVC win 4-0
Kuwait: Assolna Velim Cuncolim (AVC) Overseas Association and DHL, two of
the best teams this season will clash in the finals of the XVIIth Navelim
Youth Centre Rolling Trophy tournament to be played Friday 5th January 2007
at Soor Grounds, Kuwait City.
The finals scheduled to be played at 8.30am in chilling temperatures in
Kuwait City (min. expected temperatures at the weekend 2°C) promises to be
a close contest.
This is AVC's third consecutive NYC Trophy finals but they are yet to
inscribe their name on the prestigious trophy. AVC's executive Committee
member Xavier Furtado was optimistic of winning the finals. He said, "We do
not want to be termed 'Runners-Up' or finalists anymore, we want to be the
Champions."
AVC beat Santos Football Club 4-0 while DHL shock waved Siemens sponsored
Kuwait Goans Association (KGA) 1-0 in extra time.
AVC v/s Santos Football Club
Ace striker Kevin Vaz scored all four goals to guide AVC to one of the
easiest semi-final victories in NYC Trophy history.
AVC midfield consisting of Braulio, Franciso Fernandes and Edward organized
the moves and pressurized the Santos defense right from the first whistle.
It was not long before Kevin took the lead. AVC led 2-0 at half time.
Santos put up a stiff fight back in the second session through Agnelo
Carvalho, Edwin Gomes, Joywin and Seby Olivera, but to no avail. A tidy
performance with some disciplined defending by Vincy Pereira and Joseph
Quadros, and neat passing in the midfield by Francisco Fernandes allowed AVC
to snuff out any 'clear' chance for Santos to get into any rhythm.
It should be noted that AVC (Season's Champions for 2005-06) have now
increased their lead to 21 goals since they last conceded a goal. Striker
Kevin leads the scorers list with 6 goals in this tournament. Experienced
goalkeeper Alvaro Dias (Ex-Churchill Bros / Vasco Club) is the guardian of
AVC citadel and a strength of pillar behind the team; Alvaro also coaches
and selects the team.
DHL v/s Kuwait Goans Association
In the other action-packed neck and neck battle DHL came out winners against
hot contenders Kuwait Goans Association (KGA) by a solitary goal scored by
captain Terence D'Costa in the second half of extra time. The goal was
scored at a time when the game seemed to be heading for a tie-breaker.
The clash was evenly balanced with both AVC and DHL aggressively combating
for possession of the ball and trying to score. KGA's Vico D'Souza showed
super stamina throughout the match putting together a series of sweeping
moves with striker Jimmy Goveia who was closely marked, and hacked down time
and again by DHL defence.
Referee Sarto Baptista did an exceptional job controlling fierce tempers on
and off the field. There were violent tackles, close misses and outstanding
saves from both sides. Vico, Christovan, Caridade and Tiago were excellent
for KGA while DHL's Jose Calado, Cruz Silva and Elvis Camelo displayed a
strong determination to win.
Centre half Agnelo Miranda was influential in clinching the important goal
for the winners. Infact it was KGA's flimsiness in letting this playmaker
free throughout the game -- DHL functioned mainly due to his 'holding' and
precision passing. One such pass from the centre caught the entire KGA
defence napping and Terence D' Costa took a first time crack to beat
goalkeeper Peter Martins (1-0).
KGA could have leveled the score within minutes but DHL goalkeeper Joaquim
Pillai tipped over Caridade's long range effort in the nick of time.
This is the XVIIth edition of NYC Rolling Trophy under the leadership of NYC
President Agnello A.S. Fernandes.
NYC Rolling trophy, perhaps one of the most uniquely sculpt trophies
worldwide, was instituted in the year 1991-92. The tournament is being
played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) and
officiated by Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA).
Sixteen teams affiliated to KIFF took part in the prestigious tournament.
Hosts Navelim Youth Centre hold the record for maximum wins -- 6 times since
its inception followed by G.O.A Maroons with 5 victories.
Following are the champions since 1999-2000:
____________ - 2006 - 07
GOA Maroons - 2005 - 06
Curtorcares United - 2004-05
Bombay Boys - 2003-04
Navelim Y. Centre - 2002-03
Colva United - 2001-02
Colva United - 2000-01
Navelim Y. Centre - 1999-2000
Mr. Tareq Al Shumamari, Accounts Expert - Ministry of Justice has kindly
consented to be the chief guest for the finals.
Mr. M.P. Dalbehera, General Manager - The City International Exchange Co.
(Official sponsor of NYC football team)will be the guest of honor.
Teams:
DHL:
Joaquim Pillai (goalkeeper), Marcelino Pereira, Jose Calado, John Ferrao,
Anotonio Correia, Agnelo Miranda, Elvis Camelo, Assessao Rodrigues, Lawrence
Oliveira, Terance D'Costa (captain), Cruz Silva, Dutta, Lester Dias,
Cassiano D' Souza, Remy Fernandes, Pely Gonsalves.
AVC Overseas Association:
Alvaro Dias (goalkeeper), Joseph Quadros, Custodio, Vincy Pereira, Edward
Dias, Braulio Rodrigues, Francisco Fernandes (captain), Peter
Crasto,Francisco Rodrigues, Melvyn Fernandes, Kevin Vaz, Alex Sequeira,
Niaso Martins, Basheer Bepari, Agnelo D'Costa & Nicholas Fernandes
Thought for the week
"Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."
-Galatians 6:7
