BENAULIM: Sporting Clube de Goa humbled Pax of Nagoa SC 3-0 to clinch the Goa Professional League title for the seventh time, at the SAG ground, Benaulim, on Wednesday.
On the final match day where three teams were in contention for the title, Sporting Clube needed nothing less than a win and they executed it well with goals from Biswa Darjee in the 42nd minute, Lloyd Cardozo in the 50th minute and Rohan Rodrigues in the 65th minute.
“It is one of the happiest moments after the tough I-League 2 schedule. They have given their best in every game and been unbeaten in the last five matches. Credit goes to the boys,” said Sporting Clube assistant coach and former India captain Climax Lawrence.
The Flaming Oranje finished the season with 49 points after 24 games. Sporting Clube scored 54 goals which was the highest among the 13 teams and also conceded the least goals (16).
“The boys were determined. Hats off to the management and will be stronger next season,” said Sporting Clube head coach Armando Colaco.
Colaco named an unchanged starting 11 that rallied for a 3-1 win against FC Goa in the previous game.
The players knew the importance of the tie and started cautiously, initially giving Nagoa an upper hand, but slowly gained superior ball possession.
Sporting Clube’s first attempt came in the 12th minute when Lloyd Cardozo grounder missed the mark narrowly.
Soon, Ivon Costa’s curler went agonisingly wide, while Joyner Lourenco’s left-footer was blocked by the rival keeper.
Sporting Clube gained a corner in the 42nd minute and Biswas Darjee decided to curl in directly. His skill paid off as it deceived the rival keeper and crashed into the nylons.
Five minutes into the second half, Sporting Clube doubled their lead after Lloyd finished neatly.
In the 65th minute, Rohan Rodrigues converted a free-kick with a fine finish to make it 3-0.
GFA President Caitano Fernandes lauded the efforts of Sporting Clube and their contribution to Goan football.
GFA President Caitano Fernandes echoed the sentiment, “Huge congratulations to Sporting Clube de Goa – they brought their A-game every match and proved why they’re the champs and have done a lot for Goan football. And hats off to Sesa FA for an amazing season as well, they came close and lost by only one point, but they’ve earned their spot in the I-League 3. We’re so proud of the heights Goan football is reaching in our tenure. I look forward to see some great football from the qualified teams in the Bandodkar Memorial Trophy.”
Congratulations to Sporting Clube de Goa for reclaiming their GPL crown,” said GFA Vice-President Jonathan De Souza.
“They were the most consistent team in the League this year. Also would congratulate Sesa FA for their great performance this season and their nomination for I-League 3 next year. This was one of the most competitive GPL seasons. Our debutants Pax or Nagoa, Geno FC and Cortalim Villagers had impressive seasons”.
Sporting Clube finished with a commanding 49 points after 24 games, boasting the league’s best offense (54 goals) and stingiest defense (16 conceded).
Meanwhile, Dempo SC defeated Cortalim Villagers Social Welfare Sports Club 3-1 in the GFA Professional League match played at Tilak Maidan, here, on Wednesday.
Sailesh Bagkar scored a goal, while Sairon Albuquerque netted a brace for Dempo SC. For Cortalim Villagers Social Welfare Sports Club Vikram Venkatachalam netted a goal. With this win, Dempo SC have finished third in the Goa Pro League.
