News: Gasper Crasto
Daijiworld Media Network – Kuwait (SB)
Kuwait, Dec 23: Santos FC inscribed their name on the first edition of Eslinda Alemao Memorial 7 a-side football tournament held here at Sabah Hospital Grounds, recently.
Santos FC overcame the host Kuwait Goan Association 2-1 in the tie-breaker after the teams were locked goal less during normal time. The daylong tournament played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) was officiated by KIFF referees. Thr tourney organized by Churchill Brothers was sponsored Kuwait Goan Association under the leadership of president Salvador Dias. In all 12 teams affiliated to KIFF participated in the tournament.
Santos FC comprising budding youngsters stormed into the final beating seasoned teams like Navelim and Goa Maroons among others while Kuwait Goan Association, with a cream of star footballers in their ranks were one of the favorites to win the trophy.
In the final match, Santos were first to settle in the cold, windy conditions with midfielder Anil being inches away from connecting a snooping ball by defender Bilal across the goal area. KGA created goal scoring chances through midfielders Vicco and Josse, but Santos’ veteran goalkeeper showed superb reflexes and agility in thwarting off anything that was targeted towards the goal.
Santos started the second half as they did the first and minutes after the restart a diving header by Peter went wide. KGA managed to retain control but despite their endeavour they struggled to find creativity in the final third of the field. KGA striker Andre Dias came close to breaking the deadlock when his long range shot took a deflection and curled only a couple of feet wide.
In the ensuing tie-breaker, Santos flew into a frenzy of jubilations after KGA’s Andre shot out the deciding penalty.
Sharon Alemao D’Costa, daughter of PWD Minister and former MP of Goa Churchill Alemao was the chief guest on the occasion. She was accompanied by her husband Denis D’Costa. Dr Pravin Dangle was the guest of honor. Other distinguished invitees included Tome Gracias (sales manager, Canon), Hudson Fernandes (director, Quality Assurance - Agility Logistics), Ali Ahmed Melehem (public relations officer - MOH), V K Vohra and Lawrence Pinto.
The winner’s trophy was presented to Santos Football Club by Sharon while the runner-up trophy was given away by Tome Gracias. In a rare gesture, Kuwait Goan Association honoured the KIFF president Fidelis Fernandes along with KIFF registered teams CRC Chinchinim, Curtorcares United, Fahaheel Brothers, GOA Maroons, Indian Strikers, Navelim Youth Centre, Santos Football Club, United Friends Club, United Goans Centre and YRC Rising Stars. V K Vohra, Tome Gracias, Ali Ahmed Melehem, Inas Pinto (one of the oldest players to feature in the tournament) and Merwyn Pereira were also honoured.
Earlier, the guests were presented with a bouquet of flowers by Sinatra Dias, Ashanta Fernandes, Jenesia and Tanya Fernandes. Popular master compere Merwyn Pereira compered the entire day’s proceedings and entertained the crowd with his amusing commentary.
Before the start of the final, V5, a dance troupe performed a dance sequence to great applause of the crowd. The V5 dancers comprised Sunena Devi, Sunita Devi, Soniya Devi, Mohammed Ismail Romy and Thuwn Jaldi.
Whilst congratulating the winners, and thanking the participating teams, guests and sponsors, KGA President Salvador Dias wished the team sponsor Churchill Brothers to win all football laurels in India, which was also echoed by KGA team officials and players. It is to be noted that Churchill Brothers have continuously supported KGA football team since 2008. Churchill Brothers formed in 1988 is the only ‘family’ club in India. They have contributed immensely in the promotion of football at the regional and national level. They are one of the top teams in India, having won the National League, Federation Cup, Durand Cup Super Cup and many other trophies.
Eslinda Alemao Memorial Football Tournament was sponsored by Churchill Brothers, Canon, Mughal Mahal, Global Express World Wide, Trust International, Bhasin Co, Fitwell Tailor, Goa Caterers, Naser Mohammed Al Sayer (Freight Services), Al Assriya Printing Press, Kitco, Al Zahem & Malhotra, Coca Cola, Hudson Fernandes and Joseph D’Souza among others.
Following prizes were awarded at the presentation ceremony:
Man of the match (Finals) - Anil Kumar (Santos Football Club)
Best goalkeeper of the final - Rosario Colaco (Santos football Club)
First scorer of the final - Peter Fernandes (Santos football Club)
Best defender of the tournament - Abdul Kader (Fahaheel Brothers)
Best Striker of the tournament - Andre Dias (Kuwait Goan Association)
Best midfielder of the tournament - Vico D'souza (Kuwait Goan Association)
Best goal keeper of the tournament -Jamshad Ali (Fahaheel Brothers)
Best discipline team - YRC Rising Stars
Semifinalist - Fahaheel Brothers
Semifinalist - YRC Rising Stars
In a special message, Kuwait Goan Association President Salvador Dias thanked Arab times, Kuwait times, Times, www.goa-world.com, Gasper Almeida, Ranifa Dias and Rewon Gomes (photographer) among others for the media coverage.