Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Clube de Salgaocar moved to the top of the Goa Professional League table after demolishing Guardian Angel SC, 4-0, at Duler Stadium, on Wednesday.
Salgaocar’s youthful side struck twice in each half through braces from Selwyn Miranda and substitute Royal Oliveira. The win takes Salgaocar to nine points from three matches, while Guardian Angel remain on six points from four outings.
Both teams entered the match on the back of victories, but Salgaocar quickly seized control, creating nearly half a dozen clear chances in the opening session. Striker Isac Zomuanpuia missed at least three close opportunities, while Miranda also faltered twice early on.
Isac came close in the 18th minute when his half-volley rattled the crossbar. Guardian Angel goalkeeper Oswin Rodrigues produced two outstanding saves to deny Salgaocar, who could easily have been four goals ahead inside 30 minutes.
Miranda finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot home, and doubled the lead seven minutes later to make it 2-0 before half-time. Guardian Angel’s only meaningful chance came in the 32nd minute, when Fedrich Fernandes sent in a teasing cross that Preston Castano narrowly failed to head in.
After the break, Salgaocar coach Keenan Almeida introduced Royal Oliveira, who immediately made an impact. Oliveira netted twice in quick succession in the 63rd and 66th minutes, both times beating substitute goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh to seal an emphatic 4-0 victory.
Selwyn Miranda was named man-of-the-match, receiving his award from Laxaman Hadfadkar, executive committee member of the Goa Football Association.
