Team Herald
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SANTA CRUZ: The Servo Cup – 3rd All-Goa Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament organised by the Herald Group in association with Goa University and supported by Walbrue and Magsons will reach a decisive stage on Tuesday morning as the semi-finals take centre stage at the government football ground, Santa Cruz.
The opening semi-final at 10 am will see Cuncolim Educational Society’s College of Arts and Commerce, Cuncolim, battle against MES Vasant Joshi College of Arts and Commerce, Vasco, in a contest expected to be defined by pace, pressing and attacking intent.
CES College enter the clash buoyed by a commanding quarter-final performance built on relentless attacking pressure. Much of their attacking responsibility rests on captain and striker Saish Gaonkar, while midfield creativity is orchestrated by Thoid Yattanli. Defensive stability is provided by Delmon Rebello and Godwin Da Costa, with Deva Verma acting as the last line of resistance in goal.
Meanwhile, MES College arrive with strong momentum after producing the most emphatic result of the quarter-final stage. Central to their dominance was Pradeep Bind, who struck a hat-trick in their previous outing, underlining MES College’s attacking depth and midfield control. The Vasco-based side also boast Akash Singh as a reassuring presence in the goal, Nihal Shaikh anchoring the defence and striker Shravan Khanavekar providing a consistent attacking threat.
The second semi-final, scheduled for 11.15 am will witness Rosary College, Navelim, take on Sridora Caculo College of Management, Mapusa, in a clash shaped by composure, resilience and tactical discipline.
Rosary College have impressed with their structured approach and timely goals, with Crysler Alfonso proving reliable between the posts and Ashvek Jadhav offering control in midfield.
In attack, Garrison Fernandes and Flann Crasto pose a constant threat, with Crasto already producing one of the standout goals of the tournament.
Sridora Caculo’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by grit and determination, most notably in their dramatic quarter-final victory decided by a sudden-death penalty shootout.
Laxmanrao Rane leads the line with purpose, supported by the defensive presence of Saish Bagkar, while midfielders Rohan Mangaonkar and Murphy Fernandes play a crucial role in dictating tempo and linking play. The Mapusa-based side will also draw confidence from their ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations.
With four evenly matched teams, contrasting styles of play and several in-form performers set to take the field, both semi-final encounters promise compelling football as the Servo Cup edges closer to its climax. As anticipation builds at the Santa Cruz ground, the tournament continues to reinforce its status as one of Goa’s premier inter-collegiate football competitions, celebrating talent, teamwork and the competitive spirit of campus football.
