MARGAO
Curtorim Gymkhana booked their place in the championship match of the 1st All Goa Inter Village Mansion House Football Cup 2025 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cuncolim Union in the semifinal.
Backed by home support, Cuncolim Union began the match on the front foot. In just the 7th minute, Aaron Fernandes launched an early shot but saw it sail over the crossbar. However, it was Curtorim who struck first ” and decisively. In the 19th minute, Savio Peixoto curled in a stunning free kick, beating the goalkeeper and giving Curtorim a 1-0 lead.
Cuncolim pressed for an equaliser through Vinod Velip and Aaron Fernandes, but Curtorim’s defense stood tall. The teams went into the break with Curtorim maintaining their slender advantage.
The second half brought relentless end-to-end action. In the 41st minute, Aaron Fernandes threatened again for Cuncolim, but his effort was comfortably gathered by the Curtorim goalkeeper. Moments later, Anstem Fernandes and Ryan Fernandes combined brilliantly for Curtorim, only to be denied by brave defending from the Cuncolim backline.
Cuncolim kept pushing. In the 51st minute, Tushar Gaunkar had a shot saved, and Wilson Fernandes went close twice in the 54th and 59th minutes, narrowly missing the target on both occasions. In stoppage time, Cuncolim were handed one final opportunity through a free kick, but Viraj Velip misfired, ending the home side’s hopes of a late comeback.
At the final whistle, Curtorim Gymkhana’s resilience and tactical discipline earned them a deserved win and a place in the final.
The Mansion House Man of the Match award went to Curtorim's Viraj Velip for his commanding presence throughout the game. The prize was presented by Sailesh Vaidya, member of Cuncolim Union.
Curtorim Gymkhana will take on FC Siolim in the grand finale on September 7 at 4:30 pm.
