TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: Skipper Joseph Pereira scored a goal each in each session as Sporting Clube de Goa grounded Sesa Football Academy 2-0 to go top of the Airtel Goa Pro League (Super League) at Duler Stadium, here, Friday.
Joseph gave his team the lead in the 14th minute and then registered his brace in the 70th minute. Australian Boima Karpeh (Jerry) was instrumental in assisting Joseph on both the occasions.
Sesa’s last competitive match was against the same rivals on September 24, where they went down 2-0. The youngsters played their hearts out but went down with an identical scoreline today as well.
Sporting Clube move on top of the standings with 25 points while Sesa remain on 13 points.
With the I-League heading into a break, Sporting Clube coach Oscar Bruzon handed starts to several promising youngsters. Their top scorer Jerry headed the attack alongside Mauvin Borges.
The Flaming Oranje got off to an attacking start as Joseph gave them the lead in the 14th minute. Jerry made a daunting run from the center to the danger zone and sent in a dangerous cross from the right flank which found Joseph, finishing with an easy tap in past Sesa custodian Thockchom Singh.
The academy boys were stunned but regrouped and controlled the match then onwards. Yogesh Kadam even thought he had equalized at the half hour mark but he was caught off-side by referee’s assistant Prasad Sulekar.
At the other end, Sporting Clube could have doubled their lead before the break but goalkeeper Thockchom came up with two quick saves, blocking Gonzalo Neila’s header and then substitute Velito Cruz’s close ranger from the rebound.
However, The Flaming Oranje scored their second of the evening after resumption. Jerry was yet again instrumental as he skillfully dribbled past two rival defenders and set up Joseph in an ideal position, making it 2-0 and securing his brace in the 70th minute.
Sesa were demoralized at this stage and the Sporting Clube defence headed by Gonzalo, Rojen, Joyner Lourenco and Rovan Pereira made sure their opponents don’t get back into the match.
Joyner was adjudged Most Valuable Player while Joseph received the best goal of the day. Nagendra Thakur received the fan of the day award based on lucky ticket number and took home the match ball signed by Joseph.
