Team Herald

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PANJIM: Sesa Football Academy inflicted first defeat on Sporting Clube de Goa in the Goa Football Association Goa Professional League held at Sesa FA ground, Sirsaim, on Tuesday.

Domnic Roy Soares’ 70th minute strike proved to be the only difference in the game.

The match began on an even keel, as both teams maintained possession in the midfield. SFA winger Richard Cardoz provided a through ball for striker Olvin, who troubled the keeper in the early minutes of the game. Olvin managed a shot on target after he darted past opposition defence, but was denied by a save from the keeper. 

Sporting Clube de Goa wrested back the initiative immediately after Marcus made a run on the right-wing to provide a low cross towards Philip who shot straight at the goal post in the 14th minute. 

Soon after, Shajam stayed onside on the left-wing for SFA, received a pass from Melvin and struck the ball cleanly with his left foot. The Sporting keeper stood strong as the ball went out for a corner. 

In the 32nd minute, a cross from Sporting Clube’s Philip allowed George to attack the ball in the danger zone but he couldn't get a clean connection as the ball brushed his head and went for a goal kick. 

Shots from Stendley and Peter were blocked back to back by SFA's solid defence and midfield. George tried to find space on the right-wing and attempted a shot but was blocked by a diving save from SFA keeper Sapam in the 43rd minute.  

The score remained level in an evenly contested game at half time, with both teams coming close to scoring. 

Early in the second half, Sesa FA won a free-kick at the halfway line which was delivered by Melvin towards Olvin in the opposition box, however, the striker's shot went wide of the goal. 

In the 52nd minute, SFA keeper denied Marcus from close range after his header was blocked with a diving fingertip save. 

Sporting Clube made a substitution on the hour mark as the coach decided to bring on an extra striker; Akeraj Martins replaced Dattaraj to bolster the attack, however the replacement missed two clear cut chances to score.

In the 70th minute, SFA midfielder Domnic Roy Soares received a pass from the backline and to everyone's surprise went for a shot on goal. Dominic's long-range shot curled into the top right corner of the goal to give SFA the lead. Sporting Clube de Goa’s Stendly should have done better by covering the player and avoiding him from shooting. 

Sporting Clube made substitutions to get fresh legs on the pitch as they replaced defender Peter and forward Philip with Girish and Harshad in the 79th minute. SFA showed a good linkup play between Shridarnath, Domnic and Richard as they looked for another goal. SFA center back Melvin cleared a dangerous cross provided by Stendley Fernandes towards Marcus in the dying minutes of the game. The full-time whistle sparked delirious celebrations among the home crowd, as SFA had convincingly beaten the league leaders.

“The boys were brillinat and they defeated the best team in the league. I can only congratulate them for thier performance and I hope they carry on this way in coming games,” said Sesa FA Coach Charles Dias.