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.