Malabar Retains 37th UGC Trophy

Malabar

The final was played onJanuary 25^th between Malabar FC and DHL. Malabar retained their title by a solitary goal which was scored by Shafi. The match started under foggy conditions but the weather improved into ten minutes and the match was played under pleasant conditions. The match was referred by IFRA officials Sarto, Baptista, Sharma and Michael. DHL had the first chance of the match but the shot missed the target by a few inches. Malabar on the other side missed a good chance to take the lead from Binu jose. Malabar and DHL both played attacking football but both teams could not capitailize. The keepers of both teams did a good job to keep all threats out. DHL’s best chance of the match hit the post and the rebound shot only found the keeper. Ten minutes into the second half both teams made changes to find a result. A dangerous swinging cross into the DHL’s dee was pushed out by the DHL keeper Manoj but the ball was volleyedback into the net by No.16 Mohammed Shafi to give Malabar the lead and add to his tally of four goals in the tournament.  Malabar looked very confident after getting the lead and began to take control of the midfield after being a goal up. Seby and Elves of DHL increased their workrate on the pitch to try to get back the equalizer and nearly succeded when Malabar’s defense failed to clear but DHL could not hit the target. Malabar would have a chance to increase the lead when Younus tricked the keeper going  for a zero angle shot instead of a regulation cross. The DHL keeper did well to keep it out of goal. The match ended in favour to Malabar and they sucessfully defended their title for two years running.

Veronica Fernandes presenting the top scorer of the tournament award to Agnelo Martin of KGA

Mr.John Simon of Al-Mulla Exchange

Pascoal Alfonso President of UGC presenting the best discipline team to Curtocares United

Joe Anthony presenting the runners up trophy to DHL captain

The master of ceremony proceedings were carried out by Mrs. Nita Bhatkar. The chief guest Mr.John Simon of Al-Mulla Exchange praised UGC for concluding its 37^th tournament this year and also commended the UGC organizers for its support of the beautiful game. The Fair Play Team award was given out by Mr.Pascoal Alfonso (in the memory of late Mr.Joe Fernandes) to Curtocares United. The Top Scorer of the tournament was picked up by Mr.Agnelo Martins of KGAwith five goals in the tournamet. The Man of the match was handed out by Mr.Singh from Rajdhani Palace to Mr.Mohammed Shafi. The UGC Runners sponsored by Zajil International Telecom was given by Joe Anthony. The Winners Cup was sponsored by Al-Mulla Exchange and given out by Mr.John Simon. Mr.Pascoal Alfonso, president of United Goans Center  gave the vote of Thanks and appreciated the efforts of all the sponsors Al-Mulla Exchange, Zajil International Telecom, Rajdhani Palace, Tony Dias and thanked Arab Times, Indians in Kuwait and Veronica Fernandes for providing full coverageof the tournament.

Report:
Joseph Gonsalves
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