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FATORDA: FC Goa delivered a master class performance, crushing Sporting Clube de Goa 4-0 in a rain-soaked encounter at Nehru Stadium on Saturday, kicking off the second edition of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy.
Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera starred with a brace, while substitutes Armando Sadiku and Boris Singh added the finishing touches to a dominant display. The Gaurs’ relentless attack proved too much for Sporting Clube’s defense to handle.
After a goalless first half, Herrera broke the deadlock with a perfectly executed penalty, sending the ball screaming into the top right corner. The spot-kick was awarded after Joel Colaco’s clumsy challenge on Dejan Drazic in the box.
Herrera’s second was a thing of beauty. Following a slick exchange with Drazic that carved open Sporting’s midfield, he unleashed a venomous strike from outside the area that left goalkeeper Abhimanyu Singh rooted to the spot.
Sadiku, fresh off the bench, added a jaw-dropping third. Spotting Singh off his line, the Albanian striker unleashed a 35-yard rocket that arrowed into the net, drawing gasps from the rain-drenched crowd.
The rout was completed when Boris Singh, another substitute, ghosted in at the far post to meet Brison Fernandes’ low cross with a deft tap-in, putting the final nail in Sporting’s coffin.
The first half had seen FC Goa dominate possession, with Alan Saji constantly probing Sporting’s defense. However, resolute defending from Myron Fernandes and several crucial interventions from Singh kept the scoreline level at the break.
In another match, Brisbane Roar FC pulled off a remarkable 5-1 win against Dempo SC despite playing with 10 men for most of the match. The A-League side’s resilience was put to the test early on when Jack Hingert received a second yellow card for a foul on Laximanrao Rane. Dempo SC, buoyed by their numerical advantage, dominated the first half but failed to capitalise.
The match took a dramatic turn after the break, with Brisbane Roar FC unleashing a ruthless attacking display. Thomas Waddingham broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, tapping in from Corey Brown’s cross. Waddingham quickly doubled the lead, exploiting a defensive lapse to smash home.
Undeterred by their reduced numbers, the Aussies continued their onslaught. Their No.8 Walid Shour headed in a free-kick before James O’Shea added a fourth with a clinical finish from the edge of the box. Jez Lofthouse completed the rout with a curling shot into the bottom corner.
Dempo SC salvaged some pride late on, with Shallum Pires heading in from a Daniel corner. However, it was mere consolation in a match that showcased Brisbane Roar FC fighting spirit and tactical acumen.
