SIM BOYS ARPORA CLINCH SANTAMARIA CUP WITH COMMANDING 4-1 WIN OVER UMTA VADDO CALANGUTE IN FINAL
CALANGUTE, 2026 Sim Boys of Arpora lifted the Santamaria Group Tournament trophy in style, outgunning Umta Vaddo of Calangute 4-1 in a fiery final played at a packed ground in Calangute on Sunday.In a clash that had all the hallmarks of a classic North Goa derby, Sim Boys struck early and never let up. Veteran striker Paresh Azgaokar broke the deadlock with a poacher’s finish, slotting home from close range after a scramble in the six-yard box. Umta Vaddo’s task got harder when Saish received his marching orders for a last-man challenge, reducing Calangute to 10 men before halftime. Sim Boys capitalized immediately. Aryan doubled the lead with a well-taken strike from the edge of the box, curling it past the keeper into the top corner. He picked up a yellow for his celebration. The Arpora side kept the pressure on after the break. Referee pointed to the spot after a clumsy trip inside the area, and midfield engine Murphy Fernandes made no mistake from 12 yards, sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-0.
Domnic Fernandes pulled one back for Umta Vaddo with a solo effort, cutting in from the left and firing low into the far post to give Calangute hope .But any comeback was snuffed out when Veron Pereira sealed it for Sim Boys, latching onto a through ball and rounding the keeper to slot into an empty net. Pereira’s joy turned to frustration minutes later as he saw red for a second bookable offence, meaning both sides finished with 10 men. Paresh Vaigankar was also cautioned for Sim Boys in a midfield battle. At the prize distribution, Ashton Santamaria, Mentor of the Santamaria Group Tournament, praised the standard of play. “This final showed why we run the Santamaria Cup — to unearth talent and celebrate Goan football. Both teams played with heart. Sim Boys were clinical today, but the real winner is grassroots football in North Goa,” Santamaria said.
”Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, present for the final, lauded the organisers. “Tournaments like the Santamaria Cup keep the football culture of Calangute-Arpora alive. We need more such grassroots events. Our aim is to build better grounds and support these local clubs,” Lobo stated.
Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, who attended as special guest, emphasized the role of sports in youth development. “Watching these boys from Calangute and Arpora give it their all was inspiring. Football teaches teamwork and discipline. I congratulate Ashton Santamaria and the organisers for investing in our youth. Bardez needs more such tournaments,” she said.
Joseph Sequeira, Sarpanch of Calangute, added“The Santamaria Tournament is about giving our village boys a platform. Today we saw passion, discipline, and quality football. Football wins when the community comes together like this.
Captain Paresh Azgaokar lifted the Santamaria Cup as sim boys Arpora celebrated a deserved title, capping a tournament where their clinical finishing and set-piece composure proved decisive.
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