Tag: Goa Football

Sports

Ngulgoulal Singsit’s Strike Seals 1-0 Win for Vasco SC Over Chapora YS in GPL Thriller

Tanisha Cardozo

Vasco Sports Club secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chapora Yuvak Sangh in an exciting Goa Professional League fixture at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday. The decisive moment came in the 50th minute, courtesy of a well-finished strike from Ngulgoulal Singsit.

Both teams entered the match on the back of wins in their previous outings. Chapora YS coach Levino Pereira made three changes to his lineup, while Vasco SC’s Bisheshwor Lairenjam opted for just one change. The early moments of the game saw Vasco nearly go ahead, but Chapora’s U-21 midfielder Brandon Pereira made a crucial clearance to deny Singsit a tap-in.

Chapora pressed forward with attacking intent, repeatedly breaching the flanks, but were denied by a resilient Vasco defense and the sharp reflexes of goalkeeper Roni Das. Defenders Hijam Singh and Thokchom Singh also made key interventions to preserve the clean sheet.

The breakthrough came shortly after halftime when Vasco substitute Vellington Almeida found Ngulgoulal Singsit unmarked in the box. Singsit showed composure and skill, controlling the ball before rifling home a left-footed shot past the Chapora custodian to give Vasco the lead.

In the final stages of the game, Chapora YS mounted a strong challenge to find the equalizer. Akash Sanadi’s teasing free-kick created a great opportunity, but Rio Fernandes was just late to connect. In added time, Cyprian Rodrigues delivered a perfect cross, but Vinayak Rane’s header narrowly missed the target, sailing over the crossbar.

Despite Chapora’s late flurry of chances, Vasco SC managed to hold on to their slender lead, taking home all three points in what was a tightly contested clash. The result solidifies Vasco’s position in the standings while leaving Chapora to rue their missed chances.

Sports

Historic Win for FC Siolim in Inaugural Mansion House Football Cup

Tanisha Cardozo

In an unforgettable finale held under the Cuncolim floodlights, FC Siolim emerged as the first-ever champions of the All Goa Mansion House Football Cup 2025 after edging out Curtorim Gymkhana 6-3 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The match, played at the Government School Playground, ended 2-2 in regulation time before Siolim sealed the deal in the tiebreaker, writing their names into Goan football folklore.

The high-stakes contest began with Curtorim Gymkhana drawing first blood in the 12th minute, courtesy of a clinical finish by their talisman, Anslem Fernandes. But Siolim were quick to respond. Gaurav Vaigankar restored parity in the 25th minute with a thumping strike that energized the crowd and shifted momentum.

The first half saw near misses from both sides, but it was in the second half where the drama truly unfolded. Just minutes after the restart, Pushparaj Mandrekar gave Siolim the lead in the 45th minute with a sharp finish. However, the resilient Curtorim side came back once again through none other than Anslem Fernandes, who scored his second of the night in the 60th minute to make it 2-2.

With no breakthrough in the dying minutes, the match went to penalties, where Siolim held their nerve. Mayuresh Naik, Gaurav Vaigankar, Pushparaj Mandrekar, and Lavnay Shirodkar all confidently converted their spot-kicks. In contrast, Curtorim Gymkhana faltered under pressure, managing to score only once through Savio Peixoto.

The shootout triumph earned Siolim a winners’ purse of Rs 60,000 and the distinction of becoming the inaugural champions of the Mansion House Football Cup. Curtorim Gymkhana took home Rs 40,000 and the runners-up trophy.

Individual brilliance throughout the tournament was recognized with special honours. Mayuresh Naik of FC Siolim was awarded Best Player, Pushparaj Mandrekar received Best Striker, Videsh Sawant took Best Midfielder, while Curtorim’s Johnson Bhagat and James Fernandes won Best Goalkeeper and Best Defender, respectively.

The grand prize distribution ceremony featured prominent dignitaries including Sports Minister Dr Ramesh Tawadkar, Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Tilaknagar Industries State Head Vineet Kumar Bothra, Landry Mascarenhas, Fr Eremito Coutinho, Artemio Da Silva, Lavita Mascarenhas, Siddesh Kurade, Sailesh Vaidya, Angela Dias, and Melvin Costa. The event was compered by Vijay Kumar Kopre Dessai.

The historic evening closed with joyous scenes as Siolim’s players lifted the trophy to thunderous cheers from their traveling supporters. A celebration not just of victory, but of the growing vibrancy of grassroots football in Goa.

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Could Visit India as Al-Nassr Set to Face FC Goa in the AFC Champions League

allycaralgoa

Indian football fans could witness history as Cristiano Ronaldo’s club, Al-Nassr, prepares to face FC Goa in the AFC Champions League. If the schedule aligns, the Portuguese legend—regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time—may make his first-ever visit to India.

The prospect of Ronaldo stepping onto Indian soil has created a wave of excitement among fans and sports communities alike. The tie would not only put Indian football in the global spotlight but also mark a milestone moment for the country’s sporting culture.

FC Goa, one of the most consistent sides in Indian football, earned their AFC Champions League spot through their performance in the Indian Super League. Facing Al-Nassr—home to global icons like Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and others—would be the biggest challenge yet for the Goan club.

Experts believe the match could redefine football’s popularity in India, attracting massive international attention and potentially boosting grassroots development.

While the official match dates and venues are yet to be finalized, the possibility of Ronaldo’s arrival is already sparking anticipation across the nation.

For Indian fans, this isn’t just a game—it’s a dream come true.

Sports

GFDC Celebrates 13 Years of Football Development in Goa

allycaralgoa

The Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), established in 2012 to nurture football talent at the grassroots level, celebrated its 13th year on August 13, 2025, at the Athletic Stadium, Santacruz.

The special function began at 5:30 PM with a cake-cutting ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Secretary Sports, Shri. Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, alongside Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs; Shri. Sumith Maheshwari, High Performance Director, Khelo India; Fransquinha Almeida, Member Secretary, GFDC; and other dignitaries.

The celebrations included spirited football matches between coaches and officials of GFDC, DSYA, and SAG, showcasing camaraderie and passion for the sport. Prizes were distributed by the Secretary Sports, acknowledging the contributions of participants and stakeholders.

Since its inception, GFDC has played a pivotal role in promoting football in Goa through grassroots programs, coaching clinics, youth leagues, and fitness assessments for coaches. Its initiatives have been instrumental in creating a sustainable ecosystem for football talent in the state.

Sports

Jason Dmelo Sets Sights on Greater National Presence for Sesa Football Academy

allycaralgoa

Panaji, July 27, 2025 — In a move symbolizing legacy and progress, Jason Dmelo has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Sesa Football Academy (SFA). An alumnus of the very academy he now leads, Jason’s appointment is not just a personal milestone but a strategic step forward for SFA’s broader ambitions.

Announcing the appointment, Ms. Leena Verenkar, Head CSR at Sesa Goa, said,

“We are extremely happy to have Mr. Jason Dmelo on board. His rich experience and expertise in football will immensely contribute to our endeavours in nurturing grassroots talent and elevating SFA to national and international prominence.”

Jason holds an AFC ‘B’ License and has served the academy in various coaching roles including Goalkeeping Coach and Assistant Coach for U-17, U-19, and U-21 teams. His football journey spans playing for clubs like Salgaocar FC and Calangute Association, and coaching at GFDC and Piedade Youth Club.

With SFA’s #LetsFootballForIndia initiative gaining momentum, the Academy is actively expanding its national footprint in both men’s and women’s football. Jason’s recent achievements as a coach — from winning the U-17 Dream Sports Championship to leading teams in the Reliance Foundation Development League — highlight his readiness for the role.

Reflecting on his appointment, Jason said,

“It’s an honour to return to where it all started. I look forward to helping SFA scale new heights and inspire the next generation of footballers.”

SFA, Vedanta Sesa Goa’s flagship CSR initiative, has trained over 230 players, with 11 representing India internationally. It also organizes major grassroots events like the Vedanta Youth Cup and Vedanta Women’s League, nurturing talent from rural regions.

With this leadership transition, SFA is poised to make a strong push onto the national football map, and Jason Dmelo is ready to lead that charge.