PANAJI
Vikram Venkatachalam netted a sensational second-half hat-trick as Sporting Clube de Goa overwhelmed Guardian Angel SC 8-2 in the GFA Goa Professional League at the Duler Stadium on Tuesday.
The Flaming Oranje delivered a commanding performance with five different scorers on the day. Vikram's treble was complemented by a brace from Doyal Alves, while Leran Dias, Francisco, and Sushil Meitei also found the net. Peter Carvalho and Aaron were on target for Guardian Angel SC, who were reduced to 10 men following Livan Clemente’s dismissal.
The victory saw Sporting Clube de Goa extend their unbeaten run to 11 matches, consolidating their position at the top of the table with 31 points. In contrast, Guardian Angel SC remained on five points from an equal number of outings.
Guardian Angel SC struck first in the 13th minute through a well-worked corner. Peter Carvalho rose highest to meet the delivery and directed his header past the Sporting goalkeeper to give his side an early lead.
However, the advantage was short-lived as Sporting Clube de Goa responded swiftly. In the 15th minute, Biswa’s cross was expertly nodded in by Leran Dias, restoring parity.
Sporting continued their attacking momentum and turned the game on its head when Doyal Alves headed home another precise cross from Biswa, making it 2-1 before the break.
After the interval, Sporting Clube de Goa seized complete control of proceedings. Francisco extended the lead in the 53rd minute, unleashing a powerful low drive from outside the box that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.
Guardian Angel SC pulled one back in the 61st minute when Aaron curled a brilliant free-kick over the wall and into the net from 40-yard distance, briefly reducing the deficit to 3-2.
However, their hopes of a comeback were dealt a severe blow in the 65th minute when Livan Clemente was sent off for handling Sushil Metei’s goal-bound effort on the line. Doyal Alves stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty, extending Sporting’s lead to 4-2.
Sushil Metei made it 5-2 in the 70th minute, finishing off a low cross from Doyal Alves.
The final quarter belonged to Vikram Venkatachalam, who stole the show with three well-taken goals. His first came in the 76th minute, finishing from close range after being set up by Ivon Costa.
In the 83rd minute, Vikram latched onto a brilliant through ball from Doyal Alves, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted home his second of the evening.
He completed his hat-trick in the 86th minute, capping off a perfect night for Sporting Clube de Goa after being released by Rohan for a simple finish.
