Team Herald
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, edged closer to its much-anticipated finale following two absorbing semi-final encounters at the Government Football Ground, St Cruz, on Tuesday morning. With intensity building both on and off the field, the matches showcased the resilience, tactical discipline and mental strength that have come to define this year’s tournament, further reinforcing its position as one of Goa’s premier inter-collegiate football competitions.
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The opening semi-final, played in the presence of guest of honour Vrundawan Vinayak Raikar, Assistant Manager (PR & Media), ESG, Goa, saw Cuncolim Educational Society’s College of Arts and Commerce, Cuncolim, produce a composed and authoritative performance to overcome MES Vasant Joshi College of Arts and Commerce, Vasco, 2–0. From the outset, both teams signalled intent, engaging in a high-tempo contest marked by organised pressing, quick transitions, and disciplined defensive structures.
The first half unfolded as a tactical chess match, with both sides matching each other stride for stride. Midfield battles were intense, space was at a premium, and goal-scoring opportunities were limited as defences stood firm. Despite a few promising moves at either end, the deadlock remained at the interval, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the contest.
The complexion of the match changed immediately after the restart. CES returned with renewed urgency, and their pressure paid dividends in the 45th minute when Askin Pinto found the back of the net with a confident finish, sending the Cuncolim supporters into celebration. Building on the momentum, Mujafar Dhalayad doubled the lead in the 55th minute with a composed strike, effectively tilting the contest in CES’s favour. MES attempted to respond with increased urgency but were repeatedly thwarted by a resolute CES backline, which absorbed pressure and closed down spaces with composure. The 2–0 scoreline saw CES secure a deserved clean sheet and a place in the final.
The second semi-final, played in the presence of guest of honour Balachandra B. Jadar, University Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports, Goa University, delivered drama of a different kind, as Rosary College, Navelim, and Sridora Caculo College of Management, Mapusa, were locked in a tense, goalless stalemate that tested endurance, concentration, and mental resolve. Both teams adopted a cautious approach, emphasising defensive organisation and tactical discipline, resulting in a stalemate through regulation time.
With the deadlock unbroken, the semi-final went to a penalty shootout, where nerve and composure became decisive. Rosary College displayed remarkable calm, converting their first four penalties through Ashvek Jadhav, Flann Crasto, Edwin Kalsalkar and Clarrie Fernandes. The shootout reached its climax when Cryster Afonso, who had stepped in as goalkeeper for the penalty shootout, brilliantly saved the final attempt from Pratik Kale, keeping Rosary’s hopes alive. Moments later, he coolly stepped up to take the decisive penalty himself, sending the ball rippling into the net and securing Rosary College’s place in the final, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Navelim side.
With these results, CES Cuncolim and Rosary College now stand on the cusp of glory, setting up a final that promises intensity, skill, and drama in equal measure. Both sides bring contrasting styles, in-form players, and the weight of expectation into the title clash, which is expected to deliver high-quality, edge-of-the-seat football.
As the Servo Cup moves towards its conclusion, the tournament continues to celebrate the spirit of campus football in Goa, offering a vibrant platform for emerging talent, teamwork, and competitive excellence, while strengthening the bond between sport, education, and community.
MES Vasant Joshi College and CES Cuncolim in action during their semi-final clash.
The ball ripples the net as Cryster Afonso scores the decisive goal to take Rosary College into the final.
