MAPUSA: Calangute Association earned a crucial point which took them top of the standings after a goalless draw against Sporting Clube de Goa in a fourth round match of the Goa Professional League, at Duler Stadium, here, on Wednesday.
Calangute Association continued their fine start to the campaign with their unbeaten run. They now have secured their second successive draw and with two earlier victories, Calangute Association have collected eight points from four matches. On the other hand Sporting Clube are in the sixth position with four points in as many matches.
Every time Calangute Association take on to the field they are backed by an overwhelming support which throng the stands and today was no different. They started explosively with Nigerian striker Felix Odili coming close to scoring in the fourth minute but his rasping right-footer missed the target narrowly.
At the other end, Sporting Clube were taken by surprise by their opponents tactics and could only defend until they struck their rhythm.
Calangute Association created another opening but Sachin Gawas’ close ranger was blocked by Sporting Clube custodian Kamaljit Singh.
Subsequently, Felix was denied yet again as his powerful shot was blocked by rival defender Clemente Joseph.
The Flaming Oranje had only one clear look at the goal just before the break but Ganesh Thakur shot wide with only Calangute Association keeper Jason D’Mello at his mercy.
Post resumption, Sporting Clube came agonizingly close as Rowlin Borges sent his free-kick to Cajetan but the latter’s grounder deflected off a rival player and went for an abortive corner kick.
Minutes later, keeper Jaison did well to block a free-kick by Odafa Okolie.
However, the match sparked to life only in the 63rd minute when Sporting Clube left-back Mathew Gonsalves sent in a dangerous cross which was powerfully volleyed by Cajetan but the ball hit the horizontal bar, bounced close to the goal line and fell back into play, much to the disbelief of their supporters.
Calangute Association dominated the first session while Sporting Clube took control after changing ends but a goal eluded the sides as they settled for a point.
