Tag: Benaulim Villagers Cup

Sports

Betalbatim SC Clinches 24th Benaulim Villagers Cup in Thrilling Tie-Breaker Win

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

BENAULIM: In a final brimming with emotion and edge-of-the-seat action, Betalbatim Sporting Club lifted the 24th Benaulim Villagers Cup after a dramatic 7-6 win in a penalty shootout against Navelim Sporting Club at the St John de Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim. The prestigious local football tournament was organised by the Dando Boys Club Benaulim.

The high-octane match had fans cheering from start to finish. Navelim SC drew first blood in the 17th minute when Ronaldo Pereira converted a penalty. But Betalbatim struck back in the 30th minute through an own goal by Aden Pereira, who deflected a free kick by Dickson Rogtao into his own net.

The drama escalated in the second half. Ronaldo once again put Navelim ahead from the spot after a foul by Betalbatim’s goalkeeper Milton D’Souza. But fate repeated itself for Navelim, as Aden Pereira scored a second own goal, equalising at 2-2.

The match headed to penalties, where Betalbatim SC held their nerves to win 7-6 and clinch the title, along with ₹50,000 in prize money.

The event saw a grand prize distribution ceremony with former Chief Minister Churchill Alemao as the chief guest and AIFF Executive Committee Member Valanka Alemao as guest of honour. Other dignitaries included Fr Malcolm, Fr Xavier, Savio Alemao, Sima Shanke, Anthony Pango, Anthony Leo Mam, Nelly Rodrigues, and others.

This victory adds another feather to Betalbatim’s decorated football legacy and reinforces the vibrancy of Goa’s grassroots football culture. The match was not just a contest but a celebration of passion, community, and the beautiful game.

Sports

Maina SC Cruise Past Verna with 3-0 Win in Benaulim Villagers Cup Clash

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Benaulim, Goa – Maina Sports Club put on a commanding display to beat United Club of Verna 3-0 at the St John the Baptist ground, advancing confidently to the next round of the Benaulim Villagers Cup on Thursday.

The game kicked off with Maina SC immediately setting the pace. In just the 8th minute, Frazer Fernandes opened the scoring with a cool finish, giving Maina the early lead and establishing their control over the match.

Verna attempted to find rhythm in the second half, but Maina’s defensive unit held strong. Goalkeeper Prakash Joshi was particularly impressive, producing a string of key saves to deny Verna any momentum.

Maina doubled their lead through Jovel Martins in the 32nd minute, who slotted home the second goal with composure before halftime. Despite Verna’s efforts to respond, including some fine saves by their keeper Samuel Miranda, they struggled to keep up with Maina’s attacking fluidity.

Joywin Carneiro added speed and flair throughout the game, stretching the Verna defense repeatedly with his pace and movement.

In the closing stages of the match, it was Frazer Fernandes again who sealed the result, scoring his second goal of the night and securing a comprehensive 3-0 victory for Maina SC.

With this performance, Maina SC has made a strong statement in the tournament, blending solid defense with sharp attacking play. All eyes will be on them as they prepare for the next round.