Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Sporting Clube de Goa secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Calangute Association in the Goa Professional League, at the Duler Stadium, on Saturday. The win took Sporting to 28 points from 10 matches, while Calangute remain at 10 points from the same number of games.
The teams were locked 1-1 at half-time despite Sporting dominating possession and creating more chances. Sporting opened the scoring in the second minute when Francisco Fernandes delivered a precise cross that Ahongshangbam Meitei slotted home, giving them an early advantage.
Calangute struck back in the 12th minute through Dominic Fernandes, who capitalised on Akash Sanadi’s teasing cross to level the score. The Flaming Oranje had opportunities to regain the lead, with Dattaraj Gaonkar’s shot narrowly missing the target and a powerful strike by Doyal Alves rattling the upright.
In the second half, Sporting intensified their efforts. Calangute’s goalkeeper Aditya Talwar produced a stunning save in the 52nd minute to deny Alves from close range. However, Sporting regained the lead in the 66th minute when Alves nodded home a cross from Dhiraj Chouhan.
Calangute had a chance to equalise almost immediately, but Pandurang Gauns’ firm header was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Sporting goalkeeper Abhimanyu Singh. Sporting sealed the win in the 89th minute when substitute Vikram Venkatchalam calmly slotted home to make it 3-1.
The victory solidifies Sporting Clube’s position at the top of the league table as they continue their impressive campaign.
