Maharaja XI clinch KSA Veterans crown

by FC Admin March 26, 2017

Mumbai: Maharaja XI (Air India) piloted by the brilliance of Godfrey Pereira scored a magnificent goal and had a hand in the second goal to down Reserve Bank of India 2-0 in an keenly fought final in the inaugural edition of the Late Shri Vishwanath Anchan Memorial Veterans’ Football Tournament – 2017, conducted by the KSA and played at their ground, Cross Maidan.

Mercurial striker Godfrey scored the first goal in the 28^th minute of the 50-minute encounter. He had a hand in the second, scored by Anthony Fernandes three minutes later.

The summit clash witnessed an engrossing contest as both the sides displayed positive intent and creativity as they went on the offensive from the start. There were many goal-scoring chances created by both the teams but the 25-minute first half finished without a goal.

The Maharaja outfit boasting of internationals, Godfred, Jacinto D’Silva and Naushad Moosa and also Olympian hockey player Darryl D’Souza and international hockey player David Cardozo, managed to break the deadlock soon on resumption.

Following a counter, Moosa punted the ball forward down the right for Darryl who advanced deep and centered across the Reserve Bank goal. Godfred positioned at the far post did well to chest the ball down and let fly a rasping shot past goalkeeper Pramod Shreedharan to the roof the net in the 28^th minute.

Three minutes later, Godfrey broke free down the middle and cleverly lobbed over an advancing goalkeeper Shreedharan, but the ball came back off the crossbar. An alert Anthony quickly pounced on the rebound and headed home to double the lead.

Also, check out the photo gallery of the Final match:

Stung by those two setbacks, Reserve Bank regrouped and tried their best to find the net and get back into the game. But the Maharaja defenders did not wilt under pressure and instead defended resolutely to deny the rival attackers from scoring a goal. Late in the game Reserve Bank managed two clear chances, but the strikers were off target.

Chief Guest, S.S. Narayan (Babu), a two-time Olympic goalkeeper, presented Maharaja XI players with the handsome Champions Trophy and a cheque of Rs 50,000. Reserve Bank received the Runners-up Trophy and a cheque of Rs 35,000.

The KSA also honoured the two oldest players – 67-year-old Larry Simoes of Golden Gunners and 59-year-old Faisal Shaikh of Colaba Sports League, who participated in the tournament. Both were presented with a cash award and mementoes.

oldest players – 67-year-old Larry Simoes of Golden Gunners

Oldest player – 59-year-old Faisal Shaikh of Colaba Sports League

Earlier, Philip Gonsalves with a brilliant header in the final minute helped Golden Gunners snatch a 1-0 win against State Bank of India in the Hardlines Cup (3^rd place match). Golden Gunners were presented with a Trophy and a cash award of Rs 15,000.

Also, check out the photo gallery of the 3rd place match:

Vasant Karkera of Reserve Bank was adjudged as the ‘Player of the tournament’. Shyam Sawant, Joginder Thapa and Godfred, all from Maharaja were declared at the ‘Best goalkeeper, defender and forward, while Arif Ansari of Central was named as the Best midfielder.

Results – finals: Maharaja XI (Air India) 2 (Godfrey Pereira, Anthony Fernandes) beat Reserve Bank of India 0.

Other awards – Player of the tournament: Vasant Karkera (Reserve Bank); Best goalkeeper: Shyam Sawant (Maharaja); Best defender: Joginder Thapa (Maharaja); Best midfielder: Arif Ansari (Central Railway); Best forward: Godfrey Pereira (Maharaja).

Player of the tournament: Vasant Karkera (Reserve Bank);

Best goalkeeper: Shyam Sawant (Maharaja XI);

Best defender: Joginder Thapa (Maharaja XI)

Best midfielder: Arif Ansari (Central Railway); Yusuf Ansari is taking trophy on Arif’s behaf

Best forward: Godfrey Pereira (Maharaja)