the goan I network
DULER
Unbeaten Sporting Clube de Goa emerged champions of Goa Football Association’s Professional League, after scoring a solitary goal win over Dempo Sports Club here at Duler Stadium on Thursday. The all-important goal was scored by Nigerian striker Philip Odogwu in the closing stages of the first half. Sporting topped the Pro-League table with 55 points, winning the title with a match in hand; while Dempo remained in the second position with 44 points from 20 matches.
Dempo coach Samir Naik brought in three changes in his starting line-up in the form of Mario Mascarenhas, Joaquim Abranches and Nestor Dias. On the other hand, Sporting Clube de Goa coach Mateus Costa made two changes - Daryl Costa and Alston Camotio coming in - to the side that had scored a 2-0 win against Churchill Brothers.
It was Sporting who came up with almost four attempts at the rival goal in quick time, while their last line of defence restricted their opponents from having even one good look at their goal. In the 18th minute, Alston sent in a low cross to Marcus Mascarenhas in the box but Dempo goalkeeper Agnelo Gomes managed to push the ball to safety.
A few minutes later, Sporting’s Glan Martins’ 30-yard strike went just over the crossbar. Sporting had another chance to break the deadlock in the 39th minute when Nigerian forward Philip Odogwu got the better of Dempo defender Shallum Pires and drilled a left footer which went past the far-post.
However, Sporting finally managed to open their account in the injury time when Nigerian striker Philip made no mistake to head the ball home from the first post off Marcus’ perfect cross from the right. On resumption of play, Dempo had two good attempts at the rival goal, but failed to score the equaliser. Left-back, Naveen Mendes combined with Beevan D’Mello for a wall pass and sent a cut-back to an unmarked Nestor Dias in the box, but the U-20 midfielder shot wide.
In a counter-attack Sporting almost netted in their second goal, but Marcus Masacrenhas failed to direct an open header off substitute Quan Gomes’ cross.
The Golden Eagles also had a golden opportunity to net the equaliser in the 71st minute when substitute Suraj Hadkonkar strike from outside the penalty box was blocked by Sporting keeper Melroy Fernandes and the ball rolled to substitute Desmon Pereira, but the U-20 lad shot wide from close.
