Team Goemkarponn
Cuncolim: F.C. Siolim created history on Sunday evening by winning the inaugural All Goa Mansion House Football Cup 2025, defeating Curtorim Gymkhana 4-1 in a tense penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time at Cuncolim Ground. The final was a thrilling contest filled with drama and excitement, with Curtorim taking the lead in the 12th minute through their talisman Anslem Fernandes. Siolim struck back in the 25th minute when Gaurav Vaigankar’s powerful shot found the net, bringing the game level. Anslem nearly restored Curtorim’s lead soon after, but his strike was saved brilliantly by the goalkeeper.
The second half was equally intense, with Pushparaj Mandrekar giving Siolim the lead in the 45th minute before Anslem Fernandes struck again in the 60th minute to make it 2-2. With neither team able to break the deadlock, the match went to penalties where Siolim held their nerve. Mayuresh Naik, Gaurav Vaigankar, Pushparaj Mandrekar, and Lavnay Shirodkar converted their spot-kicks, while Curtorim managed to score only once through Savio Peixoto, sealing Siolim’s triumph.
The victory celebrations were accompanied by a grand closing ceremony attended by Sports Minister Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Opposition Leader Shri Yuri Alemao, and other dignitaries, who presented the winners’ and runners-up trophies along with individual awards. Johnson Bhagat of Curtorim Gymkhana was named Best Goalkeeper, Videsh Sawant of Siolim won Best Midfielder, James Fernandes of Curtorim took Best Defender, and Pushparaj Mandrekar of Siolim was adjudged Best Striker, while Mayuresh Naik claimed the Best Player award. The evening ended with jubilant Siolim players lifting the trophy under the floodlights, celebrating a historic victory, while Curtorim Gymkhana bowed out with pride after a valiant performance.
