G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY
KERALA SNATCH GOA ROLLING TROPHY
Real Betalbatim go down fighting
In a pulsating final featuring end to end action, Kerala
Challengers came back from a goal down to level with Real Betalbatim 1-1 and
than snatch the prestigious GOA Rolling Trophy in the tie-breaker after extra
time yielded no result in the finals of the 19th edition of the G.O.A Rolling Trophy
organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH
Grounds in Shuwaikh on 8th March 2013 under the auspices of Kuwait
Indian Football Federation.
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| Both finalists with guests and referees |
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| Action shot |
Real Betalbatim playing their first final in a KIFF affiliated
tournament matched Kerala Challengers in all respects in the first half and
both goalkeepers on either side had to make important saves to keep the score
goalless at interval. Denzil Jadhav,
Real Betalbatim’s brilliant mid-fielder than conjured a goal out of nothing
when he slotted home from an acute angle in a goalmouth melee to give his team
the lead in the 10th minute of the second half much to the delight
of the Betalbatim supporters. However
as the match progressed, Kerala Challengers made their presence felt and a
tiring Real Betalbatim defence led by the veteran Theodore Pinto were finally
broken when Jineesh headed from a Rafeeq cross to equalize 1-1 with just 10
minutes to go. In the tie-breaker
lottery, Kerala Challengers kept their cool scoring from all their kicks while
Real Betalbatim missed one to break the hearts of their supporters. The match was
ably handled by IFRA referee Francis Fernandes and he was assisted by Liston
and Alvaro on the lines.
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| The winners Kerala Challengers with guests |
During the prize distribution ceremony which was graced by
Charles D’Sa of Bassem International Company as chief guest, KIFF President and
guest of honour Fidelis Fernandes appreciated the efforts of Goan Overseas
Association and lauded them for organizing a successful tournament. Leo Fernandes gave away the gifts to referees
while the fair play award was won by Kerala Challengers and given away by Rev. Fr.
Rosario Oliveria the special invitee who is from the Bishop’s Palace in Goa and
on a visit to Kuwait. In his brief
address, Fr. Oliveria complimented the Indian Community in Kuwait for
organizing tournaments of such calibre and was especially impressed with the
fine sporting spirit and discipline shown by both finalists.
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| Captain of Kerala Challengers receiving the winners trophy from Tony Correia |
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| Captain of Real Betalbatim receiving the Runners Up trophy from Roland D'Sa |
An appreciation service award was given to Clifford Fortes for
his contribution to Goan Overseas Association since 1994 by Jaime Figueira on
behalf of the Association, while Roland D’Sa and Ian D’souza gave away the
runners up trophies to players and captain of Real Betalbatim. Mrs. Zinia
Cardoso was on hand to give away the Man of the Match trophy which was
deservedly won by Jeneesh V. of Kerala Challengers while the V. President of
Goa Maroons, Tony Correia gave away the prestigious GOA Rolling Trophy to the
captain of Kerala Challengers.
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| Jeenesh - Man of the Match receiving his award from Mrs. Zinia Cardoso |
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| Fr. Rosario Oliveria giving away the Fair Play Award to Kerala Challengers Captain |
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| Clifford Fortes (standing on left) receiving the Service Appreciation Award from James Figueira |
Earlier in the day, KIFF organized a festival tie-breaker tournament, the first
of its kind for KIFF registered club officials and it was won by KIFF Managing
Committee who defeated Indian Strikers in the final. The trophies were given away to the winners and runners up by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes during the GOA final prize distribution ceremony Also an unique festival exhibition 9 a- side
match between ‘North’ captained by Carmo Santos and ‘South’ captained by
Salvador Dias was held just before the
final and it was won by North 4-0.
Julio Cardoso
Kuwait
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| Captain of KIFF 3 a side tie breaker team Kevin Vaz receiving his award from KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes |
