Oman- AIG edge Saligao for GCO Cup 

(MENAFN - Times of Oman) Team AIG emerged the proud winners of the GCO Cup organised by the Goan Community of Oman edging out Saligao Sporting in an exciting final played at the Oman Club grounds, Al Khuwair.

The tournament opened with a colourful march past by all the participating teams. It was a grand spectacle organised by the tournament committee in a real professional manner.

The sportsman prayer on behalf of the players was ready by Noel Vas after which the "Beach Boys" was adjudged the best dressed team.

The tournament was officially declared open by Flynn De Lima, the president of GCO along with the captains of each participating team and by Brahmanand Shankwalkar, ex-India international goalkeeper.

Various other programmes were held by the organisers including a tie-breaker tournament for ladies and the tug of war for both men and women. Plenty of spot prizes were given away throughout the day which was sponsored by Nawras.

The group "Cross Connections" entertained the crowd with some feet-tapping music during the break.

Brahmanand who went around metting the teams gave a few tips to budding footballers.

During the league stage, there were quite a few upsets with hot favourites like Navelim and CBD Boys making early exits.

In the knockout stage AIG defeated the Beach Boys and FC Siolim in the semifinalss via the tie-breaker while Saligao trounced St Anne's and then went on to beat the fancied Black 'n' White Kerala team in the semis also via the tie breaker.

Hat-trick

The highlight of the tournament was a hat-trick by Savio of Saligao against St Anne's.

The finals was a see-saw battle between AIG and Saligao with both teams exhibiting exciting brand of soccer keeping the crowd on their feet. The game had to be finally decided via the tie breaker with AIG coming victorious.

Moin of AIG was declared player of the finals while Sibon Soares of FC Siolim won the player of the tournament.

The best goalkeeper of the tournament went to Azad of B & W Kerala while the best upcoming player of the tournament went to Ryan of CBD Boys.

Chinchinim won the best disciplined team. Noel Fernandes was the official referee for the finals. Later Brahmanand Shankwalkar was presented with a memento on behalf of the GCO by Flynn De Lima and Celso Fernandes.

Brahmanand Shankwalkar, Arjuna awardee was the special guest of the finals, GCO president Flyn De Lima, Vice-President Celso Fernandes, General Secretary Dr Mario D'souza, Baltazar Fernandes, Joint Secretary and other members of the committee who later gave away the prizes.

Proposing the vote of thanks the sports coordinator appreciated the support extended by his colleagues in making the tournament a grand success and also thanked the sponsors Profab/Vanguard, Pepsi, Majan Hotel, Talentz, Tech Rock/Muna Noor, Mr. Michael & Mr. Selwyn.

The following day Brahmanand held football class with young aspiring football players of the Indian School, Darsait and Al Ghubra answering their queries and giving them tips and advise football.

Brahmanand who himself played for Salgaocar in the club championships in Muscat in 1990 was delighted to be back in Muscat after 20 years and thanked the organisers for their support.