MARGAO
Cuncolim Ground witnessed another tense evening of football on Sunday as Cuncolim Union edged Shiroda Youth Club 1-0 to enter the semifinals of the 1st All Goa Inter-Village Mansion House Football Cup 2025.
A second-half strike from Ansh Patel proved the match-winner in a contest defined by defensive grit and inspired goalkeeping.
Cuncolim started brightly, with Shankar Gaunkar’s free kick whistling over in the 3rd minute, followed by efforts from Vayne Pires and Viraj Velip. Shiroda responded through Chetan Gaude, whose two early runs were foiled by goalkeeper Sachin Velip, who went on to deliver a flawless display. Ravindra Gaude also threatened with attempts in the 18th and 24th minutes, but the Cuncolim defense held firm.
At halftime, the sides were locked goalless. Shiroda pressed harder after the restart, with Chetan and Ravindra forcing saves in the 36th, 43rd and 44th minutes, only for Velip to stand tall once again.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 48th minute when Patel rose highest to head home from a corner, sparking jubilation among Cuncolim supporters. Shiroda almost hit back immediately through Chetan, but their finishing lacked precision. Late in the match, Viraj Velip attempted a speculative long-range effort, but it drifted wide.
Cuncolim held on resolutely to secure a narrow but deserved victory. Goalkeeper Sachin Velip, whose brilliance denied Shiroda at crucial moments, was named Mansion House Man of the Match, the award presented by former Cuncolim Union player Suhas Dessai.
With this win, Cuncolim Union joined FC Siolim and Curtorim Gymkhana in the semifinals, setting up an exciting final-four showdown.
