Gauravaddo (Calangute) Clinches Thrilling Santa Maria Tournament Title with 1-0 Win Over Sauntavaddo (Calangute)
In a heart-stopping finale to the Santa Maria Tournament, Gauravaddo (Calangute) emerged champions, edging past Sauntavaddo (Calangute) 1-0 in a match that will be etched in the memories of football fans for a long time. The lone goal of the match was scored by Ashton in the 25th minute, who latched onto a through ball and expertly finished with a clinical shot into the bottom corner, showcasing Gauravaddo’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities with precision and finesse.
The match was a masterclass in football, with both teams showcasing exceptional skills, teamwork, and strategy. Sauntavaddo (Calangute) dominated possession in the first half, utilizing swift counter-attacks and pinpoint passing to create scoring opportunities. Their attacking midfielder dictated the tempo of the game, but Gauravaddo’s defense held strong, employing a solid backline and effective marking to neutralize the threat. In the second half, Gauravaddo (Calangute) upped the ante, pressing high up the pitch and forcing Sauntavaddo into errors. Despite their best efforts, Sauntavaddo couldn’t find the back of the net, ultimately falling short by a single goal.
The tournament was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Sarpanch of Calangute VP Joseph Sequeira, and Panch members namely Swapnesh Vaigankar, Savio Gonsalves, Francisco Rodrigues, and Paulo Mathias. Arjuna Awardee and former player Bruno Coutinho was also present to lend his support to the tournament, adding to the excitement and prestige of the event. PI Brandon D’Souza and Sarpanch of Parra Daniel Lobo were also in attendance, with Ashton Santamaria serving as the mentor of the tournament, providing valuable guidance and expertise to the participating teams.
“I am thrilled to see the young talent and sportsmanship displayed by the teams in this tournament,” said MLA Michael Lobo. “The Santa Maria Tournament has become a benchmark for excellence in football, and I congratulate the winners, Gauravaddo (Calangute), on their well-deserved victory.”
“The key to success in football lies in a combination of skill, strategy, and teamwork,” said Ashton Santamaria, mentor of the tournament. “I am impressed by the level of competition and the passion displayed by the players. This tournament has provided a platform for young players to showcase their talent and learn from their experiences.”
The award ceremony was a highlight of the evening, with Ashton Fernandes of Gauravaddo being awarded the First Goal Scorer award, while Zico Silveira of Gauravaddo received the Emerging Player award. Other notable awards included Francis Mascarenhas from Sauntavaddo (Best Goalkeeper), Sanjay Vegulekar of Gauravaddo (Best Defender), Jovito Fernandes (Best Midfielder), Pedro Gonsalves of Sauntavaddo (Best Striker), Runal Shirodkar of Naikavaddo (Golden Boot), and Calangute Eleven was named the Best Semi-Final Team. Additionally, Almeida Boom was awarded the Best Disciplined Team, a testament to their sportsmanship and fair play.
The victory marks a proud moment for Gauravaddo (Calangute), and their fans are ecstatic about their team’s performance. The team’s strategy and execution were on point, and they deserve all the praise for their hard work and dedication. This win is a culmination of their efforts and commitment to the sport, and they have set a new benchmark for excellence in football.
