PANJIM: Sporting Clube de Goa played their hearts out but suffered a 1-2 defeat against Dempo SC in a fiery Goan derby in the I-League 2, at Dempo Academy ground, Ella, Old Goa, on Monday.
Sporting Clube dropped to the second spot in the standings after FC Bengaluru United trounced United SC 3-0. Bengaluru have 13 points from six games while Sporting Clube have 10 points.
Meanwhile, Dempo SC are placed fifth with seven points from five games.
Dempo SC put their home advantage to good use right from the start as they dominated ball possession.
Sporting Clube were slowly trying to get into the match but couldn’t hold on to the ball for longer spells. And in the 20th minute, Dempo SC took the lead as Vinay Harji unleashed a scorching half volley that gave no chance to Sporting custodian Dylan Da Silva.
Sporting Clube tried to regroup but survived some anxious moments as Rahul Paswan missed an easy tap in from close while Dylan came up with a crucial save to deny Seigoumang Doungle.
Before the break, Dylan made yet another save after Shallum Pires’ free-kick deflected off the wall.
In the second half, Sporting Clube started brightly. Shelton Nickson tested Dempo SC goalkeeper Sangramjit Chowdhury, who could not make a clean collection. However, off the rebound, striker Alister Anthony aimed straight into Sangramjit.
At the other end, Dempo SC doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute after Pruthvesh Pednekar headed in a delivery from Laximanrao Rane.
Sporting Clube went all out in the final quarter and managed to reduce the margin after Biswa Darhjee’s free-kick beat Sangramjit in the 89th minute.
Sporting Clube will resume their campaign on March 24 when they travel to take on SC Bengaluru United.
