MAPUSA: Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim put up a commendable performance as they edged past Sporting Clube de Goa in the second round match of the Goa Professional League, at Duler Stadium, here, on Saturday. The teams were locked 1-1 at half time.
Cavelossim secured their first victory of the campaign while Sporting Clube were handed their second consecutive defeat.
The Severino Fernandes coached outfit relived fresh memories when they had defeated their same opponents.
However, with only four survivors from last editions squad, Cavelossim started in right earnest with attacking play as Marcus Fernandes came close to scoring in the fifth minute.
At the other end, Sporting Clube surged ahead in the eight minute as striker Sumeet Passi curled in the opener from the edge of the box that did not give the rival custodian any chance.
In the 11th minute, Mathew Colaco sent in a perfect cross to Floyd Fernandes, whose powerful header was blocked by the rival goalkeeper.
The young Cavelossim side did not give up their fight and equalized in the 25th minute with Rahul Kumar heading in off a free-kick.
As the play resumed after the break, Cavelossim started brightly and took the lead in the 46th minute as Joshua Vaz sent in a perfect cross for substitute Clencio Pinto, who gave the finishing touches.
In the 58th minute, Sporting Clube were forced to make a substitution after medio Quan Gomes picked up an injury.
Ndidi Chukwuma was brought in and had a golden opportunity in the 72nd minute but the latter’s effort was cleared at goalline by Rahul Kumar.
Things were not going Sporting Clube’s way and they introduced their ace Nigerian striker Odafa Okolie but a goal eluded them.
