Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The semi-finals of the Goa University Inter-Collegiate Football Championship 2025-26 for Men, held at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, delivered two thrilling contests, setting up an exciting final clash between Cuncolim Educational Society’s College of Arts & Commerce, Cuncolim and Rosary College of Commerce & Arts, Navelim.
In the first semi-final, Cuncolim Educational Society’s College produced a dominant second-half display to defeat St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa 5-2.
The opening half saw both sides launch strong attacks but remain goalless until the 38th minute, when Saish Gaonkar broke the deadlock with a well-placed strike from outside the box. St. Xavier’s bounced back after the interval, with Delwin Coelho and Brandon Pereira scoring in quick succession in the 54th and 56th minutes to turn the game around.
Cuncolim soon regained control, as Gaonkar equalized in the 65th minute with a solo run past the defenders. A costly own goal in the 87th minute handed Cuncolim the lead before Gaonkar completed his hat-trick with a penalty in injury time. Swavel Furtado added the finishing touch with a goal in stoppage time, sealing a commanding victory.
Best Performance: Saish Gaonkar (C.E.S. College, Cuncolim).
In the second semi-final, Rosary College, Navelim cruised into the final with a 5-0 rout of Fr. Agnel College, Pilar. Rosary dominated possession and created several scoring chances throughout the match. Garrison Fernandes opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a fine effort from outside the box. The team continued its attacking momentum after halftime, with Ashnoy Gomes doubling the lead in the 50th minute. Fernandes struck twice more in the 57th and 70th minutes to complete his hat-trick, while Joshua Corriera netted the fifth in the dying moments.
Best Performance: Garrison Fernandes (Rosary College, Navelim).
The final will be played on October 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, where C.E.S. College, Cuncolim will face Rosary College, Navelim in what promises to be a high-intensity showdown for the championship title.
