Sporting Clube go down fighting against Dempo SC

Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Sporting Clube de Goa played their hearts out but went down fighting to Dempo Sports Club 2-3 in the Goa Football Association U-20 League match played at Saligao Seminar ground, on Monday.
The spectators witnessed a goal fest and high-intensity U-20 football where five goals were scored in a thrilling encounter.
Both teams made their intent clear from the opening whistle, opting for end-to-end attacking football.
Dempo SC drew first blood when centre-back Sharmad launched a long ball forward, which Sporting Clube defender Elvish misjudged. Striker Nash Fernandes latched onto the pass and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Caiden Estrocio to give Dempo SC the lead 1-0.
Dempo SC doubled their advantage soon after through Soham Nagvekar, capitalising on a Sporting Clube goalkeeping error. A deflected ball was not cleanly collected by the goalkeeper, allowing the alert Dempo SC striker to place the ball into the net.
The second half saw Dempo SC extend their tally in the 58th minute. A loose pass from Sporting Clube midfielder Prince Figueiredo was intercepted in the midfield, setting up a one-on-one situation.
Murphy Fernandes showed great composure, coolly placing the ball into the corner with only the goalkeeper to beat, making it 3-0.
Down by three goals, Sporting Clube showed tremendous character and began to mount sustained pressure.
Their comeback started in the 68th minute with a well-worked team move initiated by goalkeeper Caiden Estrocio. The ball was played out to defender Elvish then to Prince Figueiredo, who dictated play and found Sadroy Costa. From nearly 25 yards out, Sadroy controlled the ball and fired a precise shot into the corner, beating Dempo SC goalkeeper Deep Singh.
Just four minutes later, Sporting Clube struck again. Right winger Manohar Mathkar delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, which striker Riyaz Bapu met with a powerful header to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Sporting Clube continued to dominate proceedings in search of an equaliser and created two clear chances but failed to convert. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory for Dempo Sports Club.