Team Herald
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PANJIM: Two goals on either side of the break from lanky striker Irfan Yadwad helped Sporting Clube make a bright start to their AIFF U-18 Youth League campaign securing a 2-1 win over Sesa Academy, at Sesa Academy, Sirsaim, on Tuesday.
Irfan drew first blood for Sporting capitalizing on a assist from Dattaraj Gaoncar who had wrong footed two rival defenders to set him up with a clinical pass.
Crossing over, the Sesa boys upped the ante and attacked the Sporting goal but could not get past Akshat Hadkonkar who kept off the attempts made by Naobi Singh, Jadav P and Yuvraj Gaonkar.
As the game entered the last quarter Sporting earned a penalty when Llyod Mascarenhas was brought down in the box and Irfan stepped up to find the net to give Sporting a two-goal cushion.
Thereafter, the well organized Sporting defence led by Arjun Colaco and Tippanna Bhavikatti stood its ground against the intense pressure applied by the attacking Sesa players.
For Sesa it was too little too late, though they did get a consolation goal in injury time (90+2) when Sajam P. took advantage of a defensive lapse from Akash Kudnekar to deny Akshat a clean sheet.
Meanwhile, Salgaocar FC thumped Churchill Brothers SC 6-1, at Navelim ground.
Rubhav Sardessai gave the Green Brigade side the lead in the 22nd minute. Fhezer Gomes doubled the lead in the 33rd minute. Aaron Baretto made it 3-0 in the 57th minute.
Denson pulled a goal back for Churchill to make it 3-1
Two minutes later, Chaitan Komarpant 4-1. Ashwin Fernandes made it 5-1 in the 75th minute. In the 86 minute, Aaaron hammered the final nail in the coffin to take the final score to 6-1.
Dempo SC held FC Goa to a 1-1 draw, at Ella ground, on Monday.
Nikhil Gurung scored from a spot kick for the Young Gaurs while Aaron Alvares equalised for the Golden Eagles.
