TEAM HERALD
MAPUSA: Sporting Clube de Goa had to wait until the second session to thump Tuff Laxmi Prasad Sports Club 2-0 in a round six match of Airtel Goa Pro League at Duler Stadium, here, Sunday.
Laxmi Prasad defended bravely in the first session but their citadel collapsed when Sporting Clube scored two quick goals through Nigerian Kalu Ogba and Victorino Fernandes.
Sporting Clube are on 13 points while Tuff Laxmi Prasad stay on 10 points.
Before the kick-off, a minutes silence was observed in the memory of Anthony Baptista, former international footballer.
Sporting Clube fielded two foreigners as Kalu Ogba started in the heart of the midfield and Spanish Gonzalo Neila as the stopper-back alongside Rojen Singh. Controversial Mauvin Borges paired alongside Victorino Fernandes.
On the other hand, Laxmi Prasad rested both their foreigners and put their trust in local talent. Avelino Fernandes partnered Alvito Miranda in the striking role for the Mapusa based side.
Sporting Clube started off on an attacking note with medio Cajetan Fernandes setting up Kalu in the second and eight minutes but the Nigerian shot wide on both occasions.
Subsequently, Kalu was in the thick of action yet again but was unlucky as his rasping 30-yard free-kick kissed the crossbar.
Laxmi Prasad found it hard to get past the strong rival citadel but they had their best chance in the 39th minute but a stiff grounder from Steven Fernandes went inches wide.
Changing over, Laxmi Prasad looked more aggressive and kept the Sporting Clube defence under pressure. They almost scored after Alvito intercepted a miss pass by Rojen and cleverly flicked towards the goal but onrushing Sporting Clube custodian came to his side’s rescue.
Then, a dangerous free-kick by Laxmi Prasad’s skipper Remus Gomes found substitute Vesvino Miranda, whose powerful header was blocked by goalkeeper Ravi.
However, it was Sporting Clube who broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when substitute Stephen Barreto sent a fine through pass to Rowllin Borges, whose crack at the goal was brilliantly blocked by rival custodian Reagan Juliao but the ball fell back to Kalu Ogba, who bulged the nylons from close range.
Two minutes later, Laxmi Prasad supporters where heartbroken when Sporting Clube doubled their advantage as Jovel Martins’ cross was headed in by Victorino.
Laxmi Prasad tried hard to get back into the game but they ran out of ideas.
