SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024
Team Herald
VASCO: Sporting Clube de Goa ended their I-League 2 campaign with a hard-fought 1-2 defeat against United SC, at Tilak Maidan, here, on Saturday.
Alister Anthony had converted a 12th minute penalty to put Sporting Clube ahead but United SC bounced back after a brace from Sahil Harijan (44’, 49’).
Sporting Clube ended their campaign in the fifth spot with 19 points from 14 matches. They will have to try again next season in the I-League 2 for a spot in the I-League.
Sporting Clube were already out of contention for the second spot and promotion. However, The Flaming Oranje were in good spirits and started aggressively.
After taking some time to settle down, Doyal Alves won his side a penalty as he was brought down in the danger zone in the 11th minute. Sporting Clube striker Alister Anthony stepped forward for the spot kick and converted with ease for his eighth goal this season.
United SC tried to regroup quickly. Sahil was the key man as he created three good chances. On the first two occasions, the forward shot just wide and on the third attempt, Sahil missed a close header.
However, a defensive lapse before the half time allowed Sahil the space and he made the most of it with a clinical finish past Dylan Da Silva.
Soon after the restart, the visitors took the lead as Sahil headed in his brace after a long cross from the right flank. Sporting Clube tried hard in the final quarter but couldn’t score. Sporting Clube will now turn their focus in the Goa Professional League with two games to go. Sporting Clube are third and take on FC Goa on Monday, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, and Pax of Nagoa SC, which could be a title decider at Benaulim ground, on Wednesday.
