MARGAO
FC Siolim edged out Sao Jose de Areal 8-7 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in the first quarterfinal of the 1st All Goa Inter Village Mansion House Football Cup 2025, at Cuncolim ground, on Friday.
Sao Jose de Areal started strong, dominating possession in the early stages. Their efforts paid off in the 18th minute when Denyl Costa fired home a rebound after Anyan Carvalho’s shot was blocked, sending the Areal supporters into celebration.
But Siolim struck back just ten minutes later. In the 28th minute, Pushparaj Mandrekar levelled the score with a composed finish, reigniting Siolim’s hopes.
In the second half, Denyl Costa continued to be a threat for Areal, coming close on two occasions — one shot drifting just wide and another brilliantly saved by Siolim goalkeeper Prajot Fadte, who would later become the hero of the match.
Siolim nearly took the lead in the 36th minute during a flurry of chances from Dalesh Pednekar and Joel Fernandes, but desperate defending and a crucial recovery by Nevil Fernandes kept Areal in the game. The tension on the pitch was matched in the stands as fans roared with every attack.
As the clock ticked down, both teams had late chances — Costa faltered in the 43rd minute when through on goal, while Manthan Jivaji almost snatched a winner for Siolim.
With the scoreline stuck at 1-1 after full time, the match moved into a penalty shootout that stretched into a marathon.
San Jose de Areal converted through Bensal Viegas, Denyl Costa, Anyan Carvalho, Nevil Fernandes, Mommad Mansoor, Myron Silva, and John Gomendes.
Siolim, however, held their nerve. Successful spot-kicks came from Pushparaj Mandrekar, Gaurav Vaigankar, Prajot Fadte, Preston Dias, Dalesh Pednekar, Joel Fernandes, Manthan Jivaji, and finally Vipul Pednekar, whose decisive strike sealed the win and triggered jubilant scenes among the Siolim supporters.
Prajot Fadte was deservedly named Man of the Match for his crucial saves during the match and his confident penalty in the shootout. The award was presented by Oscar Martin, Chairman of the Mansion House Tournament.
