Goa, Aug. 3 -- Santa Cruz Veterans emerged champions of the Curtorim Veterans Cup after edging past Quepem Veterans 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in the final played at St Alex Church Ground, Curtorim, on Sunday.

The summit clash got off to an exciting start with Quepem Veterans taking the lead in the fifth minute through Joe Rose Olivera. Santa Cruz responded in the 20th minute when Benedic Fernandes found the equaliser. However, Olivera struck again before the break, giving Quepem a 2-1 advantage at half-time.

Santa Cruz Veterans came back strongly after the interval, increasing the pressure on their opponents. Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute when Benedic Fernandes scored his second goal of the ...