Panjim Footballers crowned GFA All-Goa 3rd division champions

Binatone Singh netted dramatically in the 86^th minute to give Panjim Footballers the title after defeating Guardian Angel Sports Club 1-0 in the All-Goa finals of the 3^rd division league, organised by the Goa Football Association at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday. The match was goalless at the interval.

Panjim Footballers, a feeder club for Sporting Clube de Goa consisted fully of their U-18 team and the young unit put up a resilient performance against a strong Guradian Angel side.

Panjim had the lion’s share of chances in the first half, but in the second session experienced started to tell and Guardian Angels strung together some good moves, but fell short in front of goal.

In the 86^th minute, Panjim broke away quickly, catching their opponents on the break, with the ball finding its way to Akeraj Martins and he laid the ball on for Binatone who raced away from his marker and coolly slotted into the bottom corner of the net.

 “The team consists of non-residential academy players and they worked very hard under coach Severino Fernandes and manager Anthony Vaz, but credit also goes to Don Bosco Principal Fr. Domnic Savio for giving the players the opportunity to excel in sport and studies, along with the continued support of Don Bosco PE teacher Francis Raposa,” remarked Panjim Footballers General secretary and Gfa executive member Anju Albuerquerque.

Panjim were awarded the winner’s trophy and cash prize of Rs.20, 000 while the runners up Guardian Angels received a cheque of Rs. 10,000 and trophy. Gfa north vice president Lavinio Rebello gave away the winner’s trophy in the presence of Gfa executive Bardez members Babli Mandraker and Gajanan Kerkar.

Sporting Clube de Goa recruit third Spaniard

In a move to boost their attack, Sporting Clube de Goa has completed the signing of Spanish striker Juan Francisco Garcia Pena, also known as Juanfri, on Thursday in Panjim.

 The 23 year old has previously played for La Liga side Malaga and more recently Ecija Balompie. He started his career with local side Union Deportiva Fuengirola de Los Boliches, before moving to Estepona. “I am looking forward to the new challenge,” remarked Juanfri.

This is the second Spaniard to sign for the Flaming Oranje in little under a week, after defender Angel Berlanga completed his move and scored on his debut in a 2-0 victory over Salgaocar on Monday.

“It was a dream to score on my debut in front of our supporters. I am hungry to help my new team mates win and the club to climb the ladder,” stated Angel.

Angel has previously played for New Zealand champions Auckland City, who represented the Oceania region at the last two Fifa World Club Cups. On both occasions they were knocked out at the first hurdle by Japanese outfits Kashiwar Reysol and the following year Sanfreece Hiroshima.

“Although we did not do so well, it was a fantastic experience and was also nice to sample a new culture,” said Angel. This is not Angel’s first trip to India as he came on holiday to Rajasthan last year and simply fell in love with the country and its people.

“Capturing the signatures of Angel and Juanfri is great news for the club, they will add a sprinkle of Spanish flavour to a team which is bursting with local Goan talent who make up the core of the team”, summed up Sporting Goa coach Oscar Bruzon.