PANAJI
Sporting Clube de Goa conceded five minutes from time as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Sudeva Delhi FC in the I-League 2 at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Sunday.
Forward Mark Carvalho (3') gave Sporting an early lead but Sudeva equalised late into the match through captain Ashray Bhardwaj (85').
Sporting started the match on the right note, and it took new signing Mark Carvalho just three minutes to give them the lead. Lloyd Cardozo made a daunting run down the left flank and crossed the ball dangerously inside the Sudeva area. And Mark connected it well to shoot past Sudeva custodian Ashish Sibi to give Sporting a perfect start.
Sudeva, who were relegated from the I-League last season, were stunned but regrouped well. They used the width well and maintained ball possession to put Sporting on the back foot. Sudeva’s Sridathv Nongmeikapam and Shlok Tiwari made attempts, but their efforts were easily blocked by Sporting custodian Bhaskar Jalmi.
In the second half, the match settled into a familiar pattern as both teams came close on several occasions. Lloyd had a golden opportunity when he was put through in the box, but the striker delayed in taking a shot.
Midway, Sporting head coach Armando Colaco made a couple of substitutions as he introduced the experienced Marcus Mascarenhas in the frontline. Soon, Vidipt Dua came on the right flank and Lloyd Mascarenhas took charge of the midfield.
Vidipt did well to send in a perfect cross, but Lloyd Mascarenhas headed it over with only the rival keeper at his mercy. Then, Lloyd Mascarenhas fed Rohan Rodrigues with a delightful ball forward but the midfielder opted to square it instead of shooting and the Sudeva defence cleared the threat.
However, Sudeva managed to equalise five minutes from time after a set piece. Sporting custodian Bhaskar couldn’t make a clean collection and Sudeva captain Ashray Bhardwaj punished it with a perfect header into the nylons. Sporting had to start all over again and pushed men forward in search of the winner. Rohan came close but his curler missed the target narrowly.
Sporting will next take on Kenkre FC on January 27 at Tilak Maidan.
