MARGAO
The final quarterfinal of the 1st All Goa Inter Village Mansion House Football Cup 2025 delivered a tense and thrilling encounter as Rossman Cruz, Nagoa, edged past Betalbatim S.C. with a narrow 1–0 victory at Cuncolim Ground. A sensational long-range strike from Eusebio Fernandes in the second half proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Betalbatim started the match brightly and nearly took an early lead when Brenson Fernandes struck the post in just the 4th minute. Brenson continued to trouble the opposition, linking up well with Clifford Miranda in the 17th minute, only for Rossman’s goalkeeper to make a crucial save.
Rossman Cruz gradually found their rhythm, with winger Andrus John providing the spark in attack. He made two dangerous solo runs into the Betalbatim box in the 15th and 20th minutes, but the Betalbatim defense stood firm. The first half ended goalless, with both teams showing strong defensive organization.
The second half saw Betalbatim maintain their attacking pressure. Selroy Fernandes headed over from a corner in the 35th minute, while further efforts from Clifford Miranda and Jesus Ferrao failed to break the deadlock.
The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute. After a Betalbatim clearance fell to Rossman’s Eusebio Fernandes near the halfway line, he spotted the keeper off his line and unleashed a thunderous long-range effort that found the back of the net. The stunning goal sent the Nagoa supporters into wild celebration.
Despite a late surge from Betalbatim — with Imam Gulad and Aglon Abranches both coming close — Rossman Cruz held their nerve, with their goalkeeper making a brilliant fingertip save to deny Abranches in the 60th minute.
Eusebio Fernandes was rightfully named Mansion House Man of the Match for his wonder goal. The award was presented by Lavino Dias, former coach of the Goa Sub Junior Team.
