Sesa FA finish second with comprehensive 8-0 win, Dempo SC settle for third place
MARGAO
Sporting Clube de Goa emerged GFA Professional league champions as they beat Pax of Nagoa Sports Club 3-0 in the concluding tie, at SAG Trinity ground, Benaulim, on Wednesday.
The Flaming Oranje crowned themselves with glory registering a thumping win of the season with goals from captain Hassan Biswa Darjee (42nd minute), Lloyd Cardozo (50th minute) and Rohan Rodriguez (60th minute).
The Flaming Orange broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when Biswa Dorjee's flag kick dipped into the net keeping Pax of Nagoa Sports club goalkeeper Ozen Silva dazed.
Crossing over, Sporting Clube de Goa continued to attack in same vein and in the 50th minute when striker Llyod Cardozo picked up the ball from defender Joel Colaco he unleashed snap shot which crashed into the net.
While Pax of Nagoa tried their best and even had a few close calls early in the game, they were clearly outclassed by Sporting's Rohan Rodriguez.
However, he provided the icing on the cake for Sporting Clube in the 66 thminute he made the most of his efforts.
The thrill of the goal and the victory added to Sporting Clube de Goa fans delight as the players soon joined in the celebrations.
Sporting Clube de Goa collected Rs 7 lakhs while Sesa Football Academy had to content with Rs 4 Lakhs.
In their final league match, Sesa Football Academy beat Young Boys of Tonca 8-0.
Sesa points total stood at 48 which has further ensured qualification for the I-League 3. During the league, SFA scored 55 goals.
Sesa FA’s Joshua D’Silva has earned the top goal scorer accolade in the tournament, with 24 goals to his name.
"Congratulations to Sporting Clube de Goa for reclaiming their GPL crown," said GFA Vice President Jonathan De Souza. “They were the most consistent team in the League this year. Also would congratulate Sesa FA for their great performance this season and their nomination for I-League 3 next year. This was one of the most competitive GPL seasons. Our debutants Pax or Nagoa, Geno FC and Cortalim Villagers had impressive seasons”.
GFA President Caitano Fernandes echoed the sentiment: “Huge congratulations to Sporting Clube de Goa – they brought their A-game every match and proved why they're the champs and hae done a lot for Goan football. And hats off to Sesa FA for an amazing season as well, they came close and lost by only one point, but they've earned their spot in the I-League 3. We're so proud of the heights Goan football is reaching in our tenure. I look forward to see some great football from the qualified teams in the Bandodkar Memorial Trophy.”
Meanwhile Dempo SC won their final encounter against Cortalim Villagers, with a 3-1 finish. With this win, Dempo SC have finished third in the Goa Pro League. While not the best of outcomes for the team that have just secured their qualification to the I-League, they have ensured their berth in the Bandodkar memorial Trophy.
