Sporting Clube de Goa crowned Pro League champs

PANAJI

Sporting Clube de Goa clinched the Goa Professional League (GPL) title after playing out a goalless draw against rivals Dempo SC in at the Ella ground on Friday. The result saw Sporting Clube finish top of the table with 46 points from 20 matches, edging past Dempo SC, who settled for second place with 45 points.

Sporting Clube displayed attacking intent early on, pressing high and carving out openings. Leran Dias came close to setting up the opener midway through the first half with a dangerous cross from the right, but it flashed across the face of goal with no takers.

Dempo, meanwhile, grew into the game with strong midfield control and threatening wing play, especially through Salgeo Dias on the left. However, the encounter turned fiery after a heated altercation between SC Goa’s Naocha and Dempo’s Laximanrao Rane, which resulted in straight red cards for both players and reduced the sides to ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, both teams continued to push. Sporting Clube coach Armando Colaco introduced Selwyn Miranda and Vikram Venkatachalam to inject fresh energy, while Dempo coach Remus Gomes responded with Asmon Viegas in midfield. Dempo pressed hard for a winner, with Nestor Dias and Arnold Oliveira combining well in attack, but were repeatedly denied by Sporting Clube goalkeeper Siddharth Rana, who also earned a yellow card for time-wasting.

The best chance of the match fell to Shreyash Naik in the dying minutes, after Salgeo Dias headed a cross into his path, but the finish flew wide with the goal at his mercy. The 0-0 result was enough for Sporting Clube to seal the Goa Professional League title.

“It’s a proud moment for the club,” said Sporting Clube de Goa team manager Anthony Vaz.

“Winning the Goa Pro League for the second time in a row is a prestigious achievement in Goan football. The result reflects the hard work, dedication, and tactical discipline shown by our players and coaching staff throughout the tournament.”

Clube de Salgaocar qualify for I-League 3

Meanwhile, debutants Clube de Salgaocar capped off a memorable GPL campaign by securing a place in the newly introduced I-League 3 with a clinical 2–0 win over Geno FC. With Sporting Clube (I-League 2) and Dempo SC (I-League) already occupying higher tiers, CD Salgaocar’s third-place finish ensured their elevation to the national stage.

Head coach Keenan Almeida’s side delivered a composed and disciplined performance. After a tight first half, CD Salgaocar broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when Boinao Singh’s inviting cross caused chaos in the box, and Saeesh Halarnkar pounced on the loose ball to calmly slot home.

Ten minutes later, Isac Anpuia was brought down inside the box by Geno keeper Savio Pereira. The midfielder stepped up to take the resulting penalty and converted confidently to seal a deserved 2-0 win and a historic promotion.