In a gripping finale of the Goa Beach Football Cup, the Panaji Pirates emerged victorious over the Vasco Voyagers in a thrilling 4-3 win, decided by a dramatic sudden death goal. The match, held on the sandy shores of Miramar Beach on Sunday evening, captivated the audience with its high-energy play and relentless action.
The Pirates and Voyagers, both top contenders throughout the tournament, showcased their skill and determination in what was a fiercely contested final. The match kicked off with the Pirates taking an early lead, thanks to a superb volley from their star forward, Vinod Rao, who put them ahead in the 8th minute.
The Voyagers responded strongly, equalizing in the 15th minute with a powerful shot from midfielder, Arun Desai. The game continued to ebb and flow, with both teams creating numerous chances. By halftime, the score was 2-2, following a stunning free kick goal by the Pirates’ captain, Rajesh Naik, and a quick counter-attack goal from the Voyagers’ top scorer, Sameer Patel.
The second half saw the intensity ramp up as both teams vied for the lead. The Pirates managed to take a 3-2 advantage with a spectacular long-range shot by young winger, Dev Kumar, only for the Voyagers to level the score once more with a close-range finish by forward, Nikhil Rao, in the 70th minute.
With the match tied at 3-3, the game proceeded to sudden death, where the first team to score would win the championship. The tension on the beach was palpable as both teams fought hard for possession. In the 85th minute, Pirates’ defender, Arvind Shetty, made a decisive run down the flank, delivering a perfectly timed cross that was met by Vinod Rao, who scored the winning goal with a deft header.
The Panaji Pirates’ coach, Sunil Fernandes, was ecstatic with the result. “Winning this Cup means a lot to us. The team showed incredible heart and resilience, especially in the sudden death period. I’m proud of how they performed under pressure,” Fernandes said.
Vasco Voyagers’ coach, Deepak Rao, was gracious in defeat. “Congratulations to the Panaji Pirates. It was an outstanding game of beach football. We gave it our all, and while we’re disappointed, we will use this as motivation for the future.”
The Goa Beach Football Cup, known for its vibrant atmosphere and exciting matches, once again proved to be a thrilling spectacle. Fans and players are already looking forward to next year’s competition, eager to see if the Pirates can defend their title or if a new champion will emerge.