MARGAO
Agnel Polytechnic (AP), Verna set aside stablemates Agnel Institute of Food Craft and Culinary Sciences (AIFCCS) 4-3 in the tie-breaker to emerge champions in the All Goa Inter-Diploma Football Tournament finals held at the Sinquetim Sports Complex, Navelim, on Saturday.
Both teams from Agnel Technical Education Complex, Verna displayed an attractive and attacking brand of football with a fair number of chances coming their way. After a goalless first half, it was Agnel Polytechnic who suddenly got the upper hand after AIFCCS player Aaron Fernandes got his marching orders for a rash challenge on one of the Agnel Polytechnic players at the beginning of the second half. Reduced to ten men, the AIFCCS team had to dig deep to prevent their goal from falling, and they managed to hold on for a 0-0 stalemate during the regulation period.
However, the crucial shootout proved to be in favour of Agnel Polytechnic with Roger Pereira, Lokesh Shirodkar, Kegun Dias and Iviton Vaz all finding the back of the net. Joyston Rodrigues, Austin Fernandes and Maven Gracias were on target for the AIFCCS side as they fell short in the end.
Rev Fr Agnelo Gomes, Managing Director of Agnel Technical Education Complex, Verna who was joined by Ajit M. Gaonkar, Principal of Government Polytechnic Curchorem, Dr Ricky Nunes, Principal of Agnel Polytechnic, Verna and Vice President of the Gymkhana Vallabh Prabhugaunkar gave away the prizes after the final. Sports Secretary Agnel Polytechnic Liju George and Sports Secretary of AIFCCS Rahul Madkaikar were also present at the finals. Vallabh Prabhugaunkar, Gymkhana Incharge and Lecturer, Seby Coutinho and Antonio Costa from Government Polytechnic, Curchorem were the main coordinators of the competition.
