FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2016 FINALS MATCH REPORT

MARGAO: Lazy Boys defeated Vailankkani Boys Merces 5-4 in a dramatic Futsal Championship 2016 final organized by Futsal Association of Goa (FAG)at Fr Agnel’s, Verna to win their first-ever Futsal title on late Friday night.

The Futsal Championship witnessed 16 teams clash for top honours with the winners being awarded cash prize of Rs. 60,000 and the trophy while the Runners-Up took home Rs. 40,000 and the trophy.

First-half goals  from Lazy Boy’s Savio Fernandes, Pinto and Nicolas Fernandes along  with a fitting fight back in the second half by Vailankanni Boys’, Paulo Joao, Suraj Hadkonkar, Cardozo and Miranda  failed to keep Lazy Boys at bay. Nicholas Fernandes late goal in the second trumped Vailankanni Boys to made history for the South Goa team.

As finals usually go, there was a nervy air to the opening proceedings, with both sides hesitant to commit numbers forward and content to remain compact in defence. Not only that, but both were competing in the Futsal Championship final for the first time, so the chance to make history was at stake.

The match came to life with 10 minutes in the first half when Savio opened account for Lazy Boys and Pinto increased the lead thereafter.

Suraj, of Vailankanni Boys had his initial close-range shot blocked but he stuck with the play and his persistence paid off in the second half.

In a period of three minutes in the middle of the first half, Lazy Boy’s were rampant and found 4 goals. First, they showed their effectiveness on the counter-attack when Savio finished off an excellent team goal, his efforts earned him the Player of the Match Award. Just under a minute later, Pinto guided in a fierce shot from the left flank into the open goal. He made it 2 for Lazy Boys after some sloppy defending from Vailankanni Boys.

Vailankanni Boys, however, did not drop guard and they immediately responded with a goal of their own through Paulo, who finished a great team goal by reacting quickly and tapping in at Lazy Boy’s back post in the second half.  The game started with a bang with Vailankanni on the offensive. Suraj scored, adding to his personal best goal tally in the tournament. He turned and slammed home a fierce shot past Jonathan. But before Vailankanni could catch their breath, Lazy Boys were back in front through Savio , who scored from close range after Sheikh saved his initial shot. Just one minute later, Nicholas Fernandes extended Lazy Boys lead to 5-2 after he and Pinto combined well with quick and decisive passing inside Vailankanni  Boys penalty area.

Nicholas scored the decisive goal after they were forced to push for it by the Vailankanni Boys.  At the final whistle Lazy Boys emerged Futsal Champions . Suraj Hadkonkar, of Valainkkani Boys, won the Highest Scorer of the Tournament Award.

Mr. Benjamin Silva, President, Futsal Association of Goa, congratulated members of Futsal Association of Goa for making the first Futsal tournament a success.

“The final match was well contested. The players have showcased exceptional football skills.  We have an opportunity to promote Futsal to the next generation. I request parents to encourage children to play Futsal and acquire skills to develop sports in our country,” said Benjamin Silva.

Mr.Joao Rebello, Coaching Director, FAG was felicitated by Mr. Namdev Shirgaonkar, President Futsal Association of India, (FAI), for his service in the Premier Futsal Championship . Players representing Goa in the Premier Futsal held earlier this year were felicitated at the hands of Namdev Shirgaonkar, FAI Chief and Benjamin Silva, President of FAG.. The members of the FAG were also felicitated.

“The Futsal Association of Goa has organized a fantastic tournament and we hope Goa will fight for the Senior National Championship. We hope that the standard of Futsal in India should go to another level. Futsal in Goa is in the right hands with Benjamin Silva at the helm of all activities.” said Namdev Shirgaonkar, FAI chief.  

Participating players in the Futsal Championship have been selected for the National Championship to be held at Jaipur from Dec 26-28^th.

“We are shortlisting the Indian Futsal team for the Inter Continental Cup to be held in Barcelona, We are also looking to select the first Women’s Indian team for the Futsal World Cup, I think it’s the future of Indian football. Hopefully this sport will go to the grass root and more youngster will develop football through Futal,” said Mr. Namdev .

“We are coming with the second season where we are launching our own National Futsal League,” announced Shirgaonkar.

Aveitano Furtado, Minster of Fisheries .earlier wished all the players and lauded Benjamin for his dedication towards Futsal. “I strongly believe he is the right person for the development of Futsal in Goa,” said Aveitano.

Maymol Rocky, Women’s National Team Coach was officially introduced to the Girls Teams of Black Arrows, North and Friends 5, South who displayed fantastic skills in the Exhibition Match. Friends 5 emerged the Winners with a 2-1 scoreline.

Jestes Antony’s  juggling performance was well appreciated by the crowd. Kings School students kept the crowd entertained with some sensational dance moves choreographed by Hemant Nayak.

Also present for the Awards ceremony of the Futsal Championship 2016 was Anthony Dias, Promoter for Futsal, Mr.Joao Rebello, Coaching Director, (FAG), Mr. Kevin Fernandes (Managing Officer FAG) and Blaine Fernandes, (Administrative Head FAG).  Mr. Peter Coutinho, (Secretary  FAG), proposed the vote of thanks

The Futsal Association of Goa is registered under Futsal Association of India and AMF (Association Mundial De Futsal, the governing body of Futsal). Futsal Association of Goa is backed by Sports Authority of Goa and Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

 LAZY BOYS