GOA: FC Bardez Goa beat Calangute Association 3-0 in the Final of the 2016 Goa Police Cup played at Duler Stadium on Friday. The win secured FCBG’S first major title win in in their debut tournament.
Bardez were dominant throughout the game and deserved their comprehensive win as their opposition failed to register a single shot on target.
In the 9th minute Calangute’s Agnelo Colaco came up with a superb cross from the right flank but Olan Chandran misjudged it. A minute later Stevan Fernandes produced a perfect through pass for Agnelo Colaco, but FC Bardez keeper Mirshad K cleared the ball in time conceding a corner. 22nd minute of the match, Calangute’s centre-back Stanley D’Silva made a mistake just outside the box and Bardez striker Kirtikesh Gadekar pounced onto the loose ball to slot it into the net to give his side the lead. Energized by the goal Bardez came close twice to doubling their advantage, Alesh Sawant had an effort from distance, while Peter Carvalho couldn’t convert his header. But, they went into the break a goal to the good.
On crossing over, Bardez just took three minutes to double their lead; a long ball by Rowilson Rodrigues saw another defensive blunder between the Calangute’s centre-backs and keeper Jason. This time Myron Medes made no mistake to make it 2-0. In the very next minute Girish Naik made an excellent run into the box but shot wide. Few minutes later Bardez had another chance, a right footer from Latesh Mandrekar was pushed out for a corner by Calngute’s custodian Jason produced a full stretched diving save. On the hour mark Calangute had a golden chance to reduce the margin when Rodrigues’ back pass was intercepted by Valerio but custodian Mirshad K cleared the ball easily. Five minutes before regulation time Bardez’s Alesh Sawant made a dangerous run into the box and passed the ball to substitute Serino Fernandes who tapped it into the net to seal an emphatic 3-0 win for Colaco’s men.
Sawant was named “Player of the Tournament” for his 3 goals and consistent performances. Bardez took home a cheque of 2, 00,000 and the historic GPG trophy.
FC Bardez gaffer Colaco was happy after lifting their maiden silverware and said, “The newborn club is famous now. It’s very special for me. It’s all down to the players’ effort and hard work. They made my dream come true because I wanted to come back into Goan football and show everybody that this type of football is possible.”
A special mention must also be made of Goa’s football faithful who embraced the tournament warmly throughout its duration and even today filled out the stadium to the rafters cheering on both teams till the final whistle. The turnout was particularly commendable considering it was a working day.
