Team Goemkarponn
Assolda: Margao SC booked their place in the final of the 17th St. Anthony Festival Cup 2025 with a narrow yet hard-fought 1-0 victory over United Club of Ambaulim in a thrilling semifinal clash held at the Moll Ground, Assolda.
The match unfolded before an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 1,500 spectators, as two of the tournament’s strongest contenders battled it out for a coveted spot in the final.
Margao SC’s Hanslum Furtado led the frontline with energetic runs, keeping the opposition defense on high alert. On the other end, Joel Barreto stood out with a gritty performance for United Club of Ambaulim, adding intensity and composure to their midfield play.
The defining moment of the match came early, in the 15th minute, when Alfred Noronha displayed a moment of brilliance, slipping past defenders to score a slick goal that eventually sealed Margao SC’s victory.
United Club of Ambaulim came close to leveling the score on multiple occasions. A particularly dramatic moment saw Alex Fernandes unleash a powerful strike that was heroically cleared off the goal line by Kevin Araujo, preserving Margao SC’s slender lead. Later in the second half, Crimson Fernandes nearly found the equalizer with a ferocious shot, but the crossbar denied what would have been a spectacular goal.
With this win, Margao SC advances to the tournament final, where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between Guardian Angel SC, Curchorem and USC Seraulim, scheduled ahead of the 10th August final showdown.
For his match-winning contribution, Alfred Noronha was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by Reema Noronha.
