Cuncolim Union in semi-finals

Team Herald

sports@herald-goa.com

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.