status as one of the best Indian soccer teams in Kuwait when they held of a
late challenge from pre-season favourites, Colva United Centre (CUC), to win
1-0 int he final match of the 7th edition of the Goan Overseas Association
Rolling Trophy Tournament, played under the auspices of the Kuwait India
Football Federation (KIFF) on Friday, October 22, 1999 at the Al-Sour
Grounds, Kuwait City.
Being the first tournament of the season, the large crowd was treated to
some good soccer and one moment of brilliance when Jose Rod's free kick beat
a diving Henry under the Colva bar, thus ensuring GOA Maroons retained the
glittering trophy.
Colva United Centre boasting players of the clibre of Anthony, Tiago, Noel,
Lawrence and Jimmy were unable to find their rhythm, as GOA Maroons under
the guidance of coach and goal keeper Alvaro Dias played man to man marking.
This worked to their advantage as Colva United Centre were never allowed
to play their usual crisp passing game.
In the first half, Colva United Centre moved well, particularly from the
right flank, but the GOA Maroons defence stood their ground. GOA Maroon's
new midfield trio of Reggie, Victor and Edward consistently fed their
forwards with accurate passes and at the same time thwarted any counter
attack by Colva United Centre. On the other hand, Robin of GOA Maroons who
has been playing particularly well this season, worked in tandem with Jose
Rod and Domnic in the front, but the Colva United Centre's defence did not
budge.
The chief guest of the function was Parvesh Merwah, Managing Director of
Mohan Commercial Agencies Company Ltd., and a well-known sports lover. In
his brief speech, he spoke about the importance of 'Fair Play' and gave away
the winners trophy. Fr. Gabriel Dias also stressed in his speech, the
spirit of fair play and sportsmanship and gave away the runners-up trophy.
Francis Fernandes of APL gave away the Man of the Match trophy to Jimmy of
Colva United Centre, and Assumption D'sa, Team Manager of GOA presented
gifts to the Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) referees who
officiated the match. The prize distribution was compered by Clifford
Fortes, Sports Secretary of GOA. Raymond D'Sa, President of GOA, proposed a
vote of thanks.
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