Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
RAIA: Cuncolim Union scored a solitary goal victory over Shiroda Youth Club in the third quarter-final to march into the semi-finals of 1st All Goa Inter-Village Mansion House Football Cup 2025, at Cuncolim ground, on Sunday.
A second-half strike from Ansh Patel proved decisive in a match dominated by defensive resilience and inspired goalkeeping.
The early stages were lively, with Cuncolim Union pressing hard. In the 3rd minute, Shankar Gaunkar’s free-kick whistled just over the crossbar, while Vayne Pires tested the Shiroda YC goalkeeper soon after. Viraj Velip also tried his luck from a distance in the 7th minute, but his long-range drive found the goalkeeper’s gloves.
Shiroda YC responded through Chetan Gaude, who twice broke into the Cuncolim Union box in the 10th minute, only to be denied by quick reactions from goalkeeper Sachin Velip, who would go on to deliver a flawless performance. Soon after, Ravindra Gaude looked to make the breakthrough with efforts in the 18th minute and again in the 24th minute, but each time the Cuncolim Union defence stood tall.
At halftime, the scoreline remained 0-0, with both sides unable to breakthrough despite first half chances.
The second half followed a similar script, with Shiroda YC continuing to press for the goals. In the 36th minute, Chetan fired on the goal, but Sachin once again smothered the danger. Shiroda YC’s best spell came in the 43rd and 44th minute when Ravindra and Chetan both tested the defence and goalkeeper in quick succession, but Cuncolim Union’s defence held firm.
The breakthrough finally came in the 48th minute. A well-delivered corner saw Ansh Patel rise high and direct a clean header into the back of the net, sparking jubilation among Cuncolim Union supporters.