*UFC lift UGC trophy for Second time* * *
The 35th edition of the United Goans Centre final was played on MOH grounds Shuwaikh, Kuwait under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation. It began at 8:30am with the national anthem of Kuwait and India being played. The chief guest Mrs. Valencia D’souza, brand manager of Trafalgar trading and guest of honor Mr. Shibu Ninan, manager of national air cargo, KIFF president Fidelis Fernades and all the presidents of different clubs greeted the UFC and Goa Maroons players before the start of play. Both teams began playing defensively and were looking to attack on the counter. It would be Goa Maroons who would have the first shot on target from a long ball provided by Sandy, but the keeper was equal to the task. It would be UFC chance next as Hemanth Kumar stepped up with a shot on target, but it did not trouble the keeper Gomes of Maroons. Ten minutes into the game, Goa Maroons failed to clear the ball and no.8 Juzer Bankoda volleyed in a great shot to take UFC into the lead. UFC began to dominate proceedings after the first goal and were passing the ball nicely among them and kept more possession of the ball. Ian Dsouza and Alex of Goa Maroons were kept busy at the back and they did well to repel all the attacks from UFC. Goa Maroons were lacking in attacking options and did not pose a threat to UFC in the first half. Goa Maroons started the second half with a shot on target straight away by Ian Dsouza and he would have another chance later on but he had sent over the bar. All the spectators were expecting a comeback from Goa Maroons after a great start to the second half. Goalkeeper Martin of UFC was kept busy during the second half as Goa Maroons substitutes began to make an impact on the game. Teotonio Fernandes stood out as the wall of the back and kept Goa Maroons away from scoring an equalizer. He was awarded the man of the match award for his brilliant performance. Cajetan Godinho came in the second half and has a record for being the longest player to have played without receiving a card. He had a great attempt on goal placing the ball to the extreme corner of the goal and the Maroons keeper Gomes made a full stretch dive to keep the ball out. Late in the second half, Ricky Sebastian made a surging run towards the orange goal and with a quick glance up took a good directed shot surpassing the keeper but only to find the crossbar. This was the best chance Maroons had in the game. In the end, the lone goal from Juzer would be enough to separate the two sides and see UFC win back to back UGC finals. Mr. Edwin D’cruz concluded the master of ceremony. Asst. General Secretary Joseph Gonsalves thanked the chief guest and guest of honor for giving their precious time in spite of their busy schedules. He also thanked individual sponsors Marian Fernandes, Amaldo Fernandes, Nicolas Rodrgiues, Lawrence Pereira, Vaclau D’cruz and all KIFF affiliated clubs and members. Guest of honor, Shibu gave the runners up trophies to the individual Goa Maroons players and finally the chief guest presented the winner’s trophy to the UFC captain. The top scorer of the tournament was bagged by Jagadesh of Indian Strikers. Man of the match went to Teotonio Fernandes of UFC. The Best Disciplined team went to DHL which was given in memory of late president Joe Fernandes. The housie prize was received by Mr.Agnelo Fernandes from vice president Brigidio Fernandes. The gifts for the referees were distributed by KIFF president Mr.Fidelis Fernandes and the memento for the chief guest Valencia D’sozua was given by President of UGC Pascoal Alfonso. Pictures of the finals and all the matches of the tournament our available on our website under the pictures tab: www.unitedgoanscentre.com Joseph Gonsalves _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ _/ _/ tambdimati: the Goa review is a community blog of original _/ art, writing, music, news and commentary from and about the _/ smallest state in the subcontinent. check out the newest _/ member of the Goanet family daily at _/ http://www.tambdimati.com. _/ _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/
