MARGAO
In a mesmerising display of dominance, Sporting Clube de Goa orchestrated a sensational 5-0 win against Panjim Footballers in the GFA Professional League at GFA Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Sunday.
The big victory propelled Sporting Clube (14 pts from 8 matches) to the third position in the league standings ahead of Geno SC (14 pts from 7 matches) on goal difference.
The game burst into life in the 35th minute when Doyal Alves connected in style off a flag kick taken by Rowan Rodrigues. Panjim Footballers though undaunted, struggled to break down the resolute Flaming Oranje defence.
Their moment came in the 40th minute when a cleverly orchestrated counter-attack led to a Rivan shot which was well blocked by the opposition goalkeeper just on the edge of the box. His shot, while expertly placed, was narrowly cleared, leaving Panjim footballers still searching for an equaliser. Royan Rodrigues then beat the offside trap and placed the ball into the far corner of the net at the stroke of the lemon break.
The second half saw the Flaming Oranje become more dominant. The pace of the match was relentless, featuring end-to-end football. Sporting Clube augmented their lead as Joyson Gaunkar punted the ball to the far corner of the net in the 67th minute off a corner kick taken by Siddanth.
In the 77th h minute, Sporting Clube crafted their third goal. Marcus Mascarenhas capitalised on a mistake by the rival defence as he chested the ball and punted it to the far corner of the net.
The Flaming Oranje's fifth goal was a study in teamwork and precision. A long ball from the midfield found Lylod Cardozo, who exhibited clinical composure and navigated past the onrushing keeper to slot the ball into the net with immaculate precision in the 87th minute.
Guardian Angel rally for draw
Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem came from behind to hold Young Boys of Tonca 1-1 in a GFA Professional League match at Nagoa Panchayat Sports Complex on Sunday.
Guardian Angel were trailing 0-1 at halftime. Young Boys of Tonca looked a better side on the pitch and took the lead in the 40th minute, thanks to a confident execution by Harshad Naik, who showed incredible pace to meet a defence-splitting pass and roll the ball into the net.
Stung by the setback, Guardian Angel took the fight to the rival camp but their rivals' resolute defence did not allow any scoring chances.
The second session turned livelier as Guardian Angel increased the tempo. Joel Baretto equalised in the 79th minute.
Guardian Angel (9 pts from 7 matches) are in the ninth spot in the league table while Young Boys of Tonca (2 pts from 7 matches) are twelfth, a place above the bottom-placed Panjim Footballers (1 pt from 8 matches).
