PANAJI
In a tightly contested encounter, Sporting Clube de Goa battled hard but narrowly went down 2–1 to FC Goa in their Goa Professional League fixture at Duler Stadium on Thursday.
Striker Mark Carvalho was once again on the scoresheet, netting his second goal of the season after opening his account in the previous 3–0 win against Cortalim Villagers.
An early setback in the 7th minute saw Sporting concede through an unfortunate deflection off Joel Colaco, turning captain Kunal Kundaikar’s clearance into their own net. But Sporting struck back swiftly in the 12th minute, when Naocha Singh sent in a precise pass from the right, which Mark Carvalho converted from close range to bring the game level. The side continued to press high, with multiple corner kicks testing FC Goa’s defense.
In the second half, Sporting created more attacking movement, with Naocha and Ivon Costa testing FC Goa’s defense from both flanks. However, in the 62nd minute, FC Goa regained the lead through Sitroy Carvalho, the centre-back who came forward during a corner to score from close range. Sporting fought hard to equalize, with Naocha narrowly missing a header in the 84th minute, but the side ultimately fell short despite a spirited display.
Holding their ground with this performance, Sporting Clube de Goa keep their campaign on track ahead of their clash with Vasco SC on November 9, at Duler Stadium.
