MARGAO
Parish Youth Nuvem secured their first-ever berth in the finals of the III Cavelossim Villagers UK Cup 2025 after edging past a determined Cuncolim Union with a narrow 1–0 victory, organised by the Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim at the Fr. Druston and Wellington Ground, Cavelossim,
Fresh off their recent triumph in Majorda, Nuvem had to dig deep to overcome a spirited Cuncolim side strengthened by seasoned campaigner Daulat Dessai and young talent Aaron Fernandes.
In the opening stages, Inacio Colaco of Nuvem fired a direct free-kick from the edge of the box but sent the ball over the crossbar, missing an early opportunity. A minute later, Nuvem earned a corner, and although Jonas Colaco’s delivery was initially cleared by Viraj Velip, it fell to an unmarked Inacio, whose volley was superbly saved by Cuncolim goalkeeper Shanker Gaunkar.
Cuncolim responded with attacking intent through Aaron Fernandes and Vinod Velip, who repeatedly tested Nuvem’s backline. However, Joywin Costa, standing firm as Nuvem’s stopper back, consistently broke down their advances. Just before halftime, a promising chance for Cuncolim saw a Wilson Fernandes corner headed down by Daulat Dessai to Viraj Velip, whose low drive was punched out by Nuvem keeper Macwino Colaco, keeping the scores level at the break.
The second half saw Cuncolim continue to press, with Daulat threading a smart through ball to Wilson Fernandes, who squared it to Clifton Fernandes. Clifton’s powerful strike, however, was heroically blocked by the ever-reliable Joywin Costa.
Against the run of play, Nuvem found their breakthrough in the 55th minute. On a counterattack, Cedar Colaco floated a precise long ball to Shenoy Colaco on the right wing. Shenoy dazzled by beating two defenders and unleashed a sharp angular shot that beat Gaunkar at the far post — sealing a crucial lead and ultimately, a historic place in the final.
Parish Youth Nuvem will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Seraulim and San Jose de Areal in the grand final scheduled for May 24.
At the end of the match, Glen Gracias, Joint Sports Secretary of the Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, presented the Man of the Match award to Shenoy Colaco of Parish Youth Nuvem for his match-winning performance.
