The Servo Cup – the 3rd All Goa Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament, organised by the Herald Group in association with the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA), Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and Goa University, and supported by Walbrue and Magsons, continued with two crucial knockout matches at the Government Football Ground, St Cruz, on Tuesday. With the tournament entering its decisive phase, both encounters were played in a do-or-die format where defeat meant elimination.
The matches were played in the presence of Guest of Honour Captain Sandeep Bhujbal, who witnessed an exciting day of competitive collegiate football marked by intensity, skill and strong team performances.
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Sanquelim overcome PG Goa University 3–1 in hard-fought contest
In the first knockout match of the day, Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Sanquelim displayed composure and resilience to defeat PG Goa University, Taleigao 3–1, booking their place in the next round.
Sanquelim made a perfect start to the contest, opening the scoring in just the second minute when Nakul Gawas found the net after receiving a well-timed assist from Ayan. The early goal allowed Sanquelim to dictate the tempo of the match and apply sustained pressure on the Goa University defence.
Sanquelim created several scoring opportunities in the opening phase, with Ayan narrowly missing a chance to double the lead. Striker Ramnath Parab too missed a sitter as Sanquelim continued to press forward. Despite being under pressure, PG Goa University gradually settled into the game and attempted to respond through counter-attacks.
Sanquelim’s persistence eventually paid off when Ramnath Parab made amends by scoring the second goal, giving his side a deserved 2–0 lead. The match then saw a brief shift in momentum when Janiton pulled one goal back for PG Goa University, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and raising hopes of a comeback.
As PG Goa University pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Sanquelim remained organised and disciplined. Taking advantage of the spaces left behind, Ramnath Parab scored his second goal of the match, restoring Sanquelim’s two-goal cushion and sealing a 3–1 victory. The result ensured Sanquelim’s progression to the next round of the tournament.
Don Bosco Panjim dominate AITD Assagao with emphatic 6–0 win
The second knockout match witnessed a commanding performance by Don Bosco College, Panjim, who registered a comprehensive 6–0 victory over Agnel Institute of Technology & Design (AITD), Assagao in a one-sided encounter.
Don Bosco asserted control early in the match, with Vismay Dawre opening the scoring and setting the tone for the contest. From that point onwards, Don Bosco dominated possession, dictated play across the field and consistently created scoring opportunities.
The standout performer of the match was Ajay Raj, who recorded the first hat-trick of the Servo Cup tournament. Raj scored once in the first half before adding two more goals in the second half, showcasing clinical finishing and sharp movement in the attacking third.
Shubert Borges also added his name to the scoresheet as Don Bosco continued to apply relentless pressure. AITD struggled to cope with Don Bosco’s pace, passing and attacking depth, as the Panjim side controlled proceedings throughout the match to comfortably advance to the next round.
*Ajay Raj from Don Bosco, Panjim scored the first hatrick of the tournament *
