News: Gasper Crasto
Kuwait, Nov 6: St Christopher will play Pasha Boys in a grand finale to the first ever Goan Football League played in Kuwait.
The final match of the 12-team, 7-aside league will be played at Bayan Grounds on November 8 at 5.00 pm.
In the semi-final knockouts, St Christopher FC, Tivim beat hot favorites Holy Spirit, Margao (4-3) in a tie-breaker after the match ended goalless in full time while in the other semis, Pasha Boys (Bardez) beat Amigos de Jardine 1-0.
St Christopher goalkeeper excels
St Christopher goalkeeper, Alan D’Souza was in top form in the match, denying Holy Spirit at least on five occasions with tremendous saves.
Alan was later adjudged Man of the Match; the award was handed over by dynamic Goan Fidelis Fernandes.
For Holy Spirit, captain John Furtado showed great discipline and leadership on the field while the team management comprising president Rafael Rodrigues took the defeat very sportingly.
Rowel Pinto scores winner for Pasha Boys
In the other semi-final, Rowel Romeo Pinto scored the all-important goal for Pasha Boys in the second half of the match.
Both teams comprised of youngsters who wanted to win. Jayden of Amigos de Jardine was outstanding in the match while Shawn Rodrigues of Pasha Boys remained one of the top-rated players in the league.
Captain Joaquim Pacheco of Pasha Boys was awarded Man of the Match at the hands of renowned veterans United Stars comprising of Collin Figueira, Jack Fernandes, Mervin Fernandes and Cookie Corriea.
Championship match
Goan Football Association promises to conduct the final on a grand scale with a unique presentation.
Both the finalists are geared up and inscribed their name first on the trophy.
Some of the key players in St Christopher’s squad include Cleto Gomes, Martin Gomes, Prajot Naik, Godfrey Aguiar, Neves Carvalho, Savio Rodrigues, Alan D’Souza, etc, while Pasha Boys has a contingent of young players with veteran Goan goalkeeper Alvaro Dias, a guiding force in the team.
A number of dignitaries and delegates are expected to be present to witness the finals.
Race for the top scorer
The race for top scorer of the league is a close one. The top five scorers are as follows so far:
13 goals - Mairon Fernandes (St Christiopher)
10 goals - Richard Rodrigues (Holy Spirit)
9 goals - Melvin Fernandes (Capxem Boys)
8 goals - Prajot Naik (St Christiopher)
8 goals - Jayden Luke Fernandes (Amigos de Jardine)
Probable line-up
St Christopher: Cleto Gomes, Boris D’Souza, Martin Gomes, Mairon Fernandes, Gilbert Dias, Agnelo Quadros, Prajot Naik, Godfrey Aguiar, Neves Carvalho, Savio Rodrigues, Marcelino Costa, Alan D’Souza, John Ferrao.
Team manager: Carlos Fernandes
President: Marshall Fernandes
Pasha Boys: Alvaro Dias, Shawn Rodrigues, Godwin Fernandes, Cristovam Colaco, Jose Miranda, Dattaram Bhoji, Manuel D’Costa, Noel Fernandes, Silveter Costa, Harishchandra Rohidas Palkar, Vaman Jadhav, Joaquim Pacheco, Rowel Pinto, Ashton Fernandes, Noel Viegas.
Manager: Custodio Fernandes
President: Paul Pereira
Goan Football league
The innovative idea of the league was conceptualized by Manuel D’Costa and Austine Abreo.
This is probably the first time in the history of Indian football in Kuwait that an association has come forward to organize a league for Goans.
The league which started in August has brought a large number of Goans together in Kuwait.
The organizers
Core committee of GFAK consists of Manuel D’Costa, Austine Abreo, Melvin Fernandes, Agricio D’Mello, Salvador Dias, Cajetan Fernandes, Marshall Fernandes, Carlos Fernandes, etc.
Final fixtures
St Christopher (Tivim) vs Pasha Boys – 5.00pm