MARGAO
Sporting Clube de Goa registered a solitary goal win over Churchill Brothers FC in the GFA Goa Professional League, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Wednesday.
There was no score at half time. The action unfolded rapidly as Allent Colaco made a daring attempt by taking the ball deep and attempting a shot that narrowly missed the mark, keeping goalkeeper Abhimanyu Singh on high alert. Again, Churchill Brothers' Moirangmayum Meetei at the edge of the box skillfully directed the ball towards the net only to see his attempt be thwarted by the Flaming Oranje goalkeeper
Churchill Brothers FC had a couple of scoring chances but their forwards ran out of ideas after reaching the rival danger zone.
As the second half kicked off, Flaming Oranje attacker Lloyd Cardozo took the spotlight after embarking on a skillful run and striking a shot from inside the box which ultimately sailed over the cross bar much to the dismay of Sporting Clube de Goa supporters.
Another opportunity arose for the Flaming Oranje side as a pass from the left wing reached Akeeraj Martins but the subsequent shot sailed off target.
Sporting Clube de Goa's defender Adil Khan took the spotlight and his header found the roof of the net securing ultimately the match-winner in the 84th minute. Adil Khan was lucky as his attempt hit the cross bar inside the box. The Red Machines missed the golden opportunity when Altan Vaz pushed a player inside the penalty box and the resultant spot kick taken by Lunminlen Haokip was well blocked by the Sporting goalkeeper at the fag end.
The match concluded with a scoreline of 1-0 in favour of Sporting Clube de Goa with both teams delivering a thrilling and balanced performance.
Adil had recently netted a late winner in the I-League 2 when Sporting edged past SC Bengaluru 4-3.
The win helped Sporting move to the fourth spot with 40 points from 21 games.
Dempo are third with the same number of points but have played a game more. Pax of Nagoa SC are second with 41 points from 22 games while Sesa FA are leading the standings with 45 points after 23 games.
