AMBELIM: Salgaocar FC came from behind to defeat Sporting Clube de Goa 4-2 via the tie-breaker to clinch Goa Sevens Premier League Trophy, organised by Goa Sevens and Ambelim Sports Club in association with Goa Football Association (GFA), at Ambelim Sports Complex, on Saturday.
Ganesh Thakur and George Souza scored for Flaming Oranje while Gilbert Oliveir and Agnelo Colaco netted for Salgaocar FC.
Sporting Clube were the favourites in the league having been in top form in recent leagues and already having won the Goa Pro league and also the recent Goa Police Cup. They had an easy 3-1 win over a struggling Bardez side to enter the final, while on the other hand, the Salgaocar side pulled off a tie-breaker win over Goan FC to enter the final.
Sporting Clube were quick to open their tally as they struck early on through Ganesh Thakur who neatly placed his low shot into the nets amidst a stunned Salgaocar keeper Jason D’Mello.
Salgaocar FC yet gave a tough fight with Agnelo Coalco and Umesh Harijan trying their luck.
But Sporting Clube doubled their lead as George Souza shot straight into the top corner of the post after a rebound shot off a corner as they lead 2-0.
Salgaocar FC came close to netting in a goal but Samuel Costa shot inches high from the post. However, they managed to pull a goal back as Gilbert Oliveira headed the ball in with a neat header off Agnelo’s shot cross.
There was no stopping for the Green Brigade as Agnelo Colaco shot straight into the nets from far as Salgaocar FC managed to make it all square before the half-time.
The second half witnessed a greater temper as both the sides aimed to finish it within the stipulated time. Both sides had their share of attempts.
First Sporting Clube’s Marcus Mascarenhas missed his close shot as keeper Jason swiftly caught it. At the other end, Gilbert Oliveira received a well placed cross from Mackroy Peixoto but the former’s shot was saved by Sporting Clube’s diving keeper Melroy Fernandes.
Sporting Clube kept attempting as they came close to scoring almost before the final whistle as Marcus Mascarenhas tapped it in from close but he found his low strike cleared by Sunny Pereira at goal line. The final time saw a furry of shots at both ends but neither of the teams could convert into goals as it all went down to the tie-breaker.
Gilbert Oliveira and Umesh Harijan scored from the spot for the Green Brigade as they clinched the GSPL title.
