FATORDA: Sporting Clube de Goa scored a thrilling 3-2 win over Salgaocar FC in the Group B clash in the Goa Sevens Premier League match played at SAG ground, Fatorda, on Thursday.
Mauvin scored a 58th minute winner after Salgaocar FC netted two quick goals through Lenny Pereira and Brian Mascarenhas to draw level. Earlier Cajetan Fernandes and Joseph Pereira had given the Flaming Oranje a two-goal lead.
Sporting Clube top the Group B with eight points and will now face Group A runners-up Churchill Brothers FC in the second semi-finals, while Guardian Angel SC lock horns with SCC Cavelossim in the first semis on Friday.
The teams began on equal footings however, Salgaocar FC received an early blow in the 5th minute when Cajetan scored the first goal for Sporting Clube de Goa from a direct free-kick as the Greens keeper JaisonD’Mello could just watch the ball roll into the nets.
In the 20th minute, Salgaocar FC had a rare chance when skipper Rosario Mendes dribbled couple of rival defenders before seeing his shot miss the goal by inches.
Salgaocar’s Clencio was the standout player in the first half as he showcased excellent ball control and dribbling skills but the former Dempo SC youth product just couldn’t get the final breakthrough.
The Flaming Orange consolidated their lead in the 37th minute when Avrhisto played an accurate passs to Joseph Pereira for a simple tap in.
Salgaocar found themselves in trouble and they went allout in search of the much needed breakthrough.
In the 43rd minute, Rosario hits the post after Sporting Clube’s keeper Vivek Gopal fails to clear Brian’s shot.
The Greens finally scored in the 47th minute with Lenny Pereira making amends for his earlier misses with a sublime right footer.
Salgaocar equalised through Brian in the 49th minute.
With just two minutes for the final whistle, Sporting Clube’s Mauvin scored the match-winner with a tap in after being found by Cajetan’s cross.
