Servo Cup Kicks Off with Action-Packed Opening on day-1

The Herald Group on Tuesday kicked off the Servo Cup – the 3rd All Goa Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament, organised in association with the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA) and Goa University, and supported by Walbrue and Magsons, at the Government Football Ground, St Cruz, with two competitive matches played on the opening morning.
The tournament, which will run from December 23, 2025, to January 3, 2026, features 14 college teams from across the State and aims to strengthen grassroots football by providing a competitive and structured platform for emerging collegiate talent.
In the opening match, Fr. Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar, produced a commanding performance to defeat Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, 4–0, continuing their strong run against the Miramar side.
Fr. Agnel went into halftime with a 1–0 advantage, after Dhempe goalkeeper Karthik goofed up on the opening goal, allowing Tanvesh Narvekar to capitalise and score in the 10th minute. Fr. Agnel completely took control in the second half, adding three more goals to seal a comprehensive victory.
Tanvesh Narvekar starred for Fr. Agnel, scoring two goals, including the opener and the fourth goal of the match. Ruben Azevedo netted the second goal, while Lyod Dias scored the third, although he also missed an easy chance earlier in the game.
Despite the scoreline, Karthik made a few good saves in the first half but was undone as Fr. Agnel’s sustained pressure told after the break. Dhempe also missed a clear scoring opportunity when Rounak, clean through on goal, failed to convert.
The match was largely one-sided, particularly in the second half, with Fr. Agnel dominating possession and attacking play. Dhempe’s problems were compounded when Kunal was shown a red card in the second half for using abusive language towards opposition players after repeated warnings from the referee.
The second match of the morning produced a closely fought and entertaining contest, with MES College, Vasco, edging past Government College, Khandola, 2–1.
MES College opened the scoring through Rajat Malik, who finished clinically after a fine assist from Shaunak Gawas. Government College, Khandola, had an opportunity to draw level after being awarded a penalty, but Suyash failed to capitalise, sending a weak effort wide.
Before halftime, Shaunak Gawas doubled MES College’s lead with a superb long-range strike, giving his side a 2–0 advantage at the break.
In the second half, Government College, Khandola, showed great resolve and pulled a goal back through Shreyash Palkar, making it 2–1 and setting up a tense finish. The contest grew increasingly physical, with Nihal Shaikh of MES College and Manish of Government College, Khandola, both receiving yellow cards.
Despite late pressure from Khandola, MES College maintained better ball possession and created more chances, eventually holding on for a deserved victory.
With contrasting contests and strong performances on the opening day, the Servo Cup – 3rd All Goa Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament got off to an impressive start and promises more exciting football action as the competition progresses.