Team Herald
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RAIA: Cuncolim Union scraped past hosts Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim with a 5-4 victory in a tie-breaker to seal their place in the semi-finals of the Cavelossim Villagers UK Cup 2025, played at the Fr Druston and Wellington ground, Cavelossim, on Thursday.
Despite a below-par performance, Cuncolim managed to overcome the hosts after both teams failed to score in regulation time. The match saw both sides adopt a short-passing game, but their inability to deliver accurate passes to the wings meant defenders found it easy to dispossess forwards.
Cuncolim's Vinod Velip had a powerful volley sail over the crossbar, while Cavelossim’s best opportunity fell to Raju Cardozo, who failed to nod in a cross from Aslwil Afonso. Another close call came when Edwill Afonso received a through ball from Minglen Costa but was denied by the onrushing Cuncolim keeper, who forced a corner.
In the ensuing tie-breaker, Cuncolim converted through Joyston Fernandes, Mathew Fernandes, Wilson Fernandes, Vireny Velip, and Anesh. For Cavelossim, Maven Gracias, Kayne Cardozo, Aswil Afonso, and Dalzan Passanha scored, but Edwil Afonso’s crucial spot-kick was saved by the Cuncolim keeper, sealing their place in the semi-final.
Cuncolim Union will now face Parish Youth Nuvem in the first semi-final on May 19.
Dylon Fernandes of Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim was awarded the man-of-the-match by the club’s treasurer, Jitendra Chodnekar.