Defending champions Joga Bonita SC ‘A’ retained their title defeating their second string Joga Bonita SC ‘B’ 4-3 via the tie-breaker in the Men’s Open final of the 25th Bandra Gymkhana Open Rink Football Tournament and played under floodlights at the DeMonte Park Recreational Ground, Bandra. The match ended in a 1-all draw.
The Joga Bonita SC ‘A’ players receive the Bandra Gymkhana ‘Champions’ Trophy from Chief Guest Agnelorajesh N. Athaide, Chairman & Promoter, St. Angelo’s VNCT Ventures.
In a hard-fought and absorbing final, Shrikant Vamallu scored for Joga Bonita ‘A’ in regulation period while Dan Dias netted Joga Bonita ‘B’ team’s goal. In the tie-breaker, Joga Bonita ‘A’ side successfully scored through Daniel Fernandes, Craig D’Souza and Scott D’Souza to emerge champions, while Joga Bonita ‘B’ could only convert two kicks through Ankit Chavan and Charnel Almeida.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Joga Bonita ‘A’ overcame Thrashers SC 2-1. Daniel Fernandes and Mervin Stephen were bang on target for Bonita, while Fahim Fakih scored Thrashers lone goal.
Meanwhile, Joga Bonita ‘B’ team rode on the twin strikes from Henderson Dias to blank Hot Steppers 3-0 in the second semi-finals. Dan Dias netted the third goal to seal the win.
The champs Joga Bonita received the Trophy and their other prizes from Cheif Guest Agnelorajesh N. Athaide, Chairman & Promoter, St. Angelo’s VNCT Ventures. Henderson Dias of Joga Bonita ‘B’ was later declared at the ‘Player-of-the-tournament’.
Results – Men’s Open (semi-finals): Joga Bonita SC ‘A’ 2 (Daniel Fernandes 1, Mervin Stephen 1) beat Trashers SC 1 (Faheem Fakih 1); Joga Bonita SC ‘B’ 3 (Henderson Dias 2, Dan Dias 1) beat Hot Steppers 0.
Final: Joga Bonita SC ‘A’ 4 (Shrikant Vamallu 1, Daniel Fernandes 1, Craig D’Souza 1, Scott D’Souza 1) beat Joga Bonita SC ‘B’ 3 (Dan Dias 1, Ankit Chavan 1,Charnel Almeida 1) via the tie-breaker. Full-time: 1-1.
Player of the tournament: Henderson Dias (Joga Bonita ‘B’).