KUWAIT CITY, April 14: Indian Football Referees Association - Kuwait (IFRA) put up a dazzling show and a grand and befitting finale to the first International 11 a side soccer tournament organized in Kuwait to commemorate their 30th anniversary, with the redoubtable Goa Boys overcoming a strong DHL Express 2-1 in an exciting final at the Salmiya Municipal (Baladyia) grounds recently.
DHL Express who started the match as firm favorites had no answer to the experience of Goa Boys led by Duarte Ferrao up front, whose eye pleasing classy free kick from just outside the penalty area in the 15th minute of the first half found the top right hand corner of the DHL goal past the outstretched hands of keeper Anton. With solid defense anchored by the experienced Teo Fernandes, Alfred and John, Goa Boys star forward and man of the match and player of the tournament Hemant Kumar along with Xavier Costa constantly troubled the DHL defense, and their hard work paid off when Dominic pulled level in the second half.

DHL put in all efforts for the equalizers with the off colour Unni attempting a couple of solo efforts, and Barboza and Roland using all their skills for a breakthrough, but Goa Boys were not to be denied their day of glory, although DHL reduced the margin towards the end of the game with a goal from hard working John. Referee Francis Elvis who was ably assisted by C.O. John and Richard Anthony ensured the game was played in the right spirit.
Earlier, playing for the third and fourth place, star studded St Anthony’s Colva overcame a fighting Real Betalbatim 2-0, with both the goals being scored by Anil Thakun on either side of half time. Thakun was deservedly declared the man of the match and received a track suit from Sports Mania, who have supported the entire tournament with ‘Man of the Match’ awards after each and every match.
Bilal and Denzil played their hearts out for Real Betalbatim, but the Colva boys with Martin in the goal were able to defend their lead until the end of the game.

The match was officiated by Milagris Crasto and assisted by Michael Dias and Alvaro Dias on the lines. Jose Afonso was the fourth official.
The guest of honour, the Indian ambassador to the State of Kuwait, His Excellency Shri Ajai Malhotra, who arrived during the lemon break, congratulated IFRA the only recognized Indian Referees Body in the entire Middle East on their 30th anniversary and amidst delirious celebrations from the supporters of Goa Boys and to the music of ‘we are the champions’ by DJ Simon, handed over the winner’s trophy to captain Teo Fernandes, along with the gift voucher of KD 75.
The runners up received their trophy from the hands of Fahad Al-Arade and a gift voucher of KD 50. It was heartening to observe that the third and fourth placed teams were also receiving trophies and individual awards from the hands of sports enthused Rev Fr Franco Pereira -sdb, of the Indian English Academic School (IEAS).

Commemorative plaques were also awarded to all the 16 participating teams which included teams from Bangladesh, Thailand and Sri Lanka and the fair play award was deservingly awarded to Real Betalbatim. Individual trophies were awarded to Teo Fernandes of Goa Boys as best defender of the tournament, Denzil Jadhav of Real Betalbatim (best midfielder), Martin Dias of St Anthony’s Colva (best goalkeeper), Anil Thakun of St. Anthony’s Colva (Best forward) and Hemant Kumar of Goa Boys for being the best player of the tournament. A special gift voucher of KD 40 was awarded to Xavier Costa of Goa boys as the most inspiring player by Timothy Vaz.
Earlier, during the half time break, IFRA marked another milestone when their website www.ifra.in designed by IFRA member Abdul Mubarak Yousuf was officially inaugurated in a simple ceremony by HE the Indian Ambassador, Shri Ajai Malhotra. The website is a first for a referees’ body in the entire Arabian Gulf and will offer valuable knowledge, orientation and insights to the craft of refereeing as well as soccer activities in Kuwait and around the world. The draw for the On the spot- raffle was also held, and Crisencio Fabillino was the lucky winner of the Kuwait India return air ticket, while Pedro R. Fernandes won a 32 inch LCD TV and Angelina Victoria was the lucky winner of a Kuwait Dubai return air ticket sponsored by Talat El Kaasamani.

IFRA president in his address informed the gathering that the Association which was founded on Dec 5, 1980 by the Late J.P. D’Mello along with Jenifer Rodrigues, A.E. D’Souza, Tony Gonsalves, Peter Monteiro, Agnelo Fernandes and Domnic Monsorate, today serves the football fraternities not only in Kuwait, but also in other Gulf countries as well with professionalism.
He thanked the special invitees Fahad Al Aradi, HE Shri Ajai Malhotra, Rev. Fr. Franco Pereira, renowned footballer and dramatist Jose Rod for gracing the occasion. He also thanked all 16 participating teams and the Indian community and local football federations for their support during the last 30 years. He further thanked the sponsors including Advanced Technology Company, Xavier Furtado, Glen D’Souza, AlWazzan, Otis Elevator Company, Bhasin Co, Consolidated Shipping Services, kuwait Transcontinental Shipping Co, Reliance Technical Est. Real Betalbatim Football Club, EL-HOSS Engineering & Transport Co, B. M. Viegas, DHL Express, House of Travel, Defaf Al Khaleej Al Arabi, Royal Terrasse Restaurant, Winners Restaurant, and Al Rashed International Shipping Co, www.goa-world.com and others including all 31 IFRA members who contributed to make the tournament and final a grand success.