On Mon, 16 Feb 2004 11:46:18 +0400, Gulf Engineering Consultancy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Saligao down Chandor for football title MUSCAT — An all-round team effort guided Saligao past Chandor 3-2 via tie-break in an all-Goan final to clinch the All-India Open eight-a-side football tournament title at the Oman Club ground in Al Khuwair on Friday. Backed by a large and vociferous gathering, Saligao rallied back from a goal down with a late goal to force the tie-break and then seal the crown. In fact, it was Chandor, who looked good for the crown when Joe Canute put them ahead. But the never-say-die attitude of the Saligao players paid dividends, when their star striker Xavier Calgeen earned the equaliser. Locked 1-1 at the end of the full time, Saligao proved they had the better nerves as Somnic Fernandes and Cruz Dias got the ball past the tournament's best goalkeeper Christo, while for Chandor only Mauel Antao was on target as Joe Canute and Lino muffed up their attempts. Xavier, who was adjudged the tournament’s best player, had an anti-climax, when he missed his attempt (last for Saligao). The tournament organised by the Indian Social Club's Kerala Wing as part of the ongoing Youth Festival — a prelude to the forthcoming Keralothsavam 2004 — turned out to be a grand success. Buoyed by the success, ISC Kerala Wing convenor P M Jabir, in the presence of chief guest, the ISC chairman, Dr Satish Nambiar, and guests of honour ISC Sports secretary Imtiaz Usman, and Alukkas Jewellery manager Paulson, conveyed his wish to make the event a permanent annual fixture. Earlier the one-day tournament was kicked off by Imtiaz Usman, as the 13 participating teams paraded before him in the morning. After the final, team managers-cum-players Domnic of Saligao and Edwin of Chandor poured praises on the organisers. "Though organising for the first time, the tournament was held in the most efficient manner," echoed both and wished that more teams take part in the next edition. Edwin suggested: "It would be better if the dates are announced well in advance so more and more teams can get time for preparations and participation." In the semifinals, Chandor had defeated ISC Kerala Wing 'B' 2-0 with Lino and Edwin scoring the goals in the second half, while Saligao helped by Xavier's brilliant effort edged out Navelim 1-0. Among the 13 teams, Amigos, a young team from Indian School Wadi Kabir, failed to get past the first round, but they won admirers and encouragement. Hosts ISC Kerala Wing had pinned their hopes on the 'A' team, but to dismay they crashed out along with the other Kerala team — FC Kerala. Even other top Goan teams like Curtorim, United Goans, Chinchinim, Salcette Strikers, Arabital FC Siolim and OIG made their exits early on. Later at a glittering prize-distribution ceremony Dr Satish Nambiar gave away the cups and trophies to the winners and runners-up, while Imtiaz Usman gave away mementoes to all the participants, referees (David Sathyanath, Akbar Hussain, Saby Fernandes, Daigo and Edwin) and judge Ajayan. Alukkas manager Paulson gave away the trophies to best player Xavier, best goalkeeper Christo and top scorer Rocky of OIG, who scored the only hat-trick. The top-scorer award was exclusively sponsored by Alukkas Jewellery. The other sponsors of the tournament were Supa Sportsman and First Flight Couriers. ISC convenor Jabir also offered special thanks to Louis and Glorio, who offered their technical expertise for the smooth conduct of the tournament in association. He added the winners and runner-up teams would be honoured again during the Keralothsavam 2004 festival. Regards Stephen Feb 21-24, 2004 - Goa Carnival ########################################################################## # 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 # ##########################################################################