Tag: Indian 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.

Events in Goa

AIFF Proposes Goa as Host for Super Cup 2025; Winner to Earn AFC Champions League Playoff Slot

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 14 September 2025: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally approached the Goa Football Association (GFA) to host the Super Cup 2025 across two prominent stadiums in Goa—Nehru Stadium, Fatorda and Athletic Stadium, Bambolim. The tournament is tentatively scheduled from October 25 to November 22 and will be held in a phased format, aligning with the upcoming FIFA international window.

According to AIFF’s proposed plan, the group stage—featuring 16 teams divided into four groups—will be held between October 25 and November 6. A break will follow for the international window, during which India will face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on November 18. The knockout stages, including the semifinals and final, are expected to resume post this fixture.

In a letter addressed to GFA President Caitano Fernandes, AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan requested the GFA’s assistance in securing both stadiums, along with four training grounds for participating clubs. AIFF has also asked for support in managing floodlights for evening matches, providing ambulances and medical rooms, and ensuring seamless coordination with the Goa state government. Matches at Fatorda will be played under floodlights at 7:30 PM, while those at Bambolim will kick off at 5:00 PM.

“The AIFF deeply appreciates the long-standing cooperation extended by the GFA in hosting major national and international football competitions, and we look forward to your continued support in delivering another successful tournament in Goa,” the letter read.

The GFA has responded positively, stating that it is keen to extend “all possible help” to ensure the successful conduct of the tournament.

The Super Cup 2025 is expected to include 13 clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL) and 3 from the I-League, though four ISL clubs have only “conditionally consented” to participate due to pending clarity on the ISL start date and financial receivables. Odisha FC has already communicated its decision to opt out of the Super Cup but left the door open to reconsider if there is greater clarity.

A key incentive this year is the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 berth. With India ranked 10th in the Asian Football Confederation’s Member Association standings for the West Zone, it has secured two continental spots. The ISL winner will gain direct entry into the ACL Two group stage, while the Super Cup winner will receive the second slot via a play-off, provided the club meets Premier 1 licensing requirements. Should the team not progress through the play-off, it will automatically be included in the AFC Challenge League group stage, ensuring India maintains strong representation at the continental level.

With continental qualification on the line, participation decisions pending, and Goa ready to host, the stage is being set for one of the most significant domestic football tournaments in the Indian calendar.

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

President Droupadi Murmu Honours North East United FC with Durand Cup Victory Award

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

In a proud and historic moment for Indian football, the North East United Football Club (NEUFC) was honoured with the President’s Cup by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in recognition of their victory in the 2025 Durand Cup Tournament.

The prestigious ceremony saw Bollywood actor John Abraham, owner of the football club, receiving the award alongside the team’s captain Redeem Tlang. The occasion was also graced by top-ranking officials including the Vice Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, members of the Durand Football Tournament Society, and the Durand Cup Organising Committee.

Held in the heart of India, this award ceremony marked a significant milestone for the team and its management. John Abraham, known for his passion for football and commitment to the sport, expressed heartfelt joy as he accepted the award from the Hon’ble President, symbolising a moment of national recognition for North East Indian football talent and its growing prominence.

The Durand Cup, one of the oldest football tournaments in the world, holds a deep-rooted legacy tied to the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting their historical role in promoting sports and fostering unity. The recognition of NEUFC’s victory is not just a celebration of their achievement but also a tribute to the club’s journey, resilience, and commitment to excellence in Indian football.

As football continues to grow in popularity across the country, this moment will be remembered as a landmark achievement for NEUFC and a proud chapter in India’s sporting history. The honour further reinforces the power of sport in uniting diverse communities and inspiring future generations.

Sports

Goa Government to Honour ‘The Monte Cruz Stand’ in PJN Stadium, Fatorda

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The Government of Goa has officially announced a fitting tribute to late former Sports Minister Francisco Monte Cruz, by naming a stand at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, after him. This recognition comes on the occasion of his first death anniversary, honouring the man who was responsible for the construction of the iconic stadium in a record 180 days between 1988 and 1989.

The PJN Stadium, inaugurated on January 19, 1989, continues to be a vibrant hub for major football matches and sports events in the state. Its existence owes much to Monte Cruz’s foresight, dedication, and leadership, which made it one of Goa’s proudest sports infrastructure projects.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and the Government of Goa have initiated the implementation of a long-standing resolution moved by Minister Digambar Kamat in the State Assembly, which called for the naming of a stand in the stadium after Monte Cruz. The resolution has finally come to life this year, ensuring that Monte Cruz’s contributions will be forever remembered by generations to come.

The announcement ceremony saw the presence of Monte Cruz’s family members, including his son Vijay Monte Cruz and daughter Hema Monte Cruz, who were present to witness the emotional and symbolic gesture. Both expressed their pride in seeing their father’s efforts officially recognised by the state.

The stand naming project is expected to resume within the next two weeks, following coordination and assistance from the Chief Minister’s office. This event not only commemorates the memory of Francisco Monte Cruz but also underscores the importance of honouring visionary leaders who have shaped the state’s legacy through infrastructure and public service.

As Goa continues to grow as a centre for national and international football, the Monte Cruz Stand will stand tall — a reminder of a man who built a stadium, and with it, a part of Goa’s sporting identity.