PANJIM: Sporting Clube de Goa were knocked out from the Hero Federation Cup after playing out a 2-2 draw against Aizawl FC, at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.
Joel Sunday (37′) opened the scoring and then Sumeet Passi (45+2′) managed to equalise right on the stroke of half time. Lalchhawnkima (60′) converted from the penalty spot, to provide the lead after half time but substitute Glan Martins (80′) came on late to equalise. However, Aizawl FC skipper David Lalrinmuana was red carded and as a consequence, will miss the all-important final on Saturday.
With the first leg scoreless, the draw was enough for Jahar Das’ men as they won the tie on the away goals. Relegated I-League side Aizawl FC will meet Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan in the final on May 21, in Guwahati.
Mehrajuddin Wadoo found himself on the bench as Pratesh Shirodkar sat ahead of the backline in 4-1-4-1 system with youngster Sumeet Passi leading the line. The usual suspects for Aizawl started as Joel and Alfred Jaryan featured up top. Lalruatthara was on the substitutes list with Lalmuankima taking his place in left back.
The visitors had a scare early on as Soram Poirei almost spilled from an effort as Sumeet went very near to scooping one over but Lalramchullova did well to clear off the ball in the second attempt.
Twenty minutes into the game, Nicholas Fernandes targeted the top corner of the nearpost, the ball looped in just as Soram within time, came out and got two fingers to out the ball away for a corner. The match was a see-saw battle with both sides looking to gain head with each passing attack.
Alfred Jaryan missed a sitter five minutes later from the edge of the box. His effort went wide off the farpost as he received a pinpoint pass from a wily David Lalrinmuana pass.
The deadlock of the tie was broken by Joel. Running past his marker towards the through ball from his midfield, the Nigerian slotted the ball past Arindam Bhattacharya before Fulganco Cardozo tried to bring him down inside the box.
However, Youngster Sumeet struck for the visitors just before the half time break. Pratesh’s flagkick fell into the Loveday’s head who directed towards Sumeet in front. The height advantage came into play as the striker got the better of the defender to head it into the net.
Emmanuel Chigozie almost scored an own goal. Sumeet’s cross was directed towards the box as no Sporting Clube player was inside. The Nigerian defender had other plans as he provided his teammates a scare in the 56th minute. He cleared the ball but into the other way, sending it a couple of inches wide off the post.
The visitors were awarded with a penalty in the 58th minute. Skipper David was brought down by Pratesh inside the box as he was on course to receive a square pass from Alfred.
Lalchhawnkima stepped up and successfully converted from the 12 yard spot. Arindam dived the right way but his shot was powerful, sending the highlanders leading on aggregate.
Sporting Clube were sent into frenzy over the trailing scoreline and pushed hard for an equaliser as they almost took way wards shot from range but the game grew in with each passing moment.
Super substitute Glan Martins came on in the last 15 minutes to score the equaliser. A free-kick from 30 yards taken by Loveday was deflected off of the wall but Subhasihs Bose had the presence of mind to drop it in goal wards. Soram came out with a clearance from a dive but his defenders were slow to react. Martins was quick and he deposited the loose ball into the empty net.
With the equaliser, the Goan side was still a goal less to assure them a place in the final as the opponents were equal on away goals. Aizawl FC skipper David Lalrinmuana was awarded his second yellow card and given his marching orders late into injury time.
