PANJIM: It was simply not the day for Sporting Clube de Goa as they endured a solitary-goal defeat against Sudeva Delhi FC in the I-League 2, at Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi, on Saturday.
The teams provided end-to-end action in the first session which remained goalless. However, Sporting Clube conceded with eight minutes remaining for the final whistle as Ramesh Chettri scored the match-winner for Sudeva Delhi FC.
When the teams met in the first leg in Goa, it ended in a 1-1 draw. The third straight defeat for Sporting Clube in the competition left them in the fifth place of the standings with 10 points from eight games.
Sudeva Delhi FC leapfrogged their opponents to occupy the fourth spot with 11 points from eight matches. FC Bengaluru United lead the standings with 19 points.
Striker Alister Anthony and midfielder Joyson Gauncar combined well together but could not break open the rival defence.
In the 23rd minute, Sporting Clube had a good opportunity when Kunal Kundaikar crossed the ball and it only needed a tap in. However, Alister could not reach to make a timely connection.
Before the break, Joyson did well to find Rohan Rodriguesbut the latter went for power rather than placement and saw his effort sail over.
Sudeva Delhi FC started with renewed ideas in the second half but Sporting Clube goalkeeper Dylan D’Silva denied them on three occasions.
Centre-backs Joyner Lourenco and Dhiraj Chouhan worked tirelessly for Sporting Clube.
But unfortunately, Sporting Clube conceded in the 82nd minute when a dangerous ball from the left flank was connected by Ramesh for the only goal of the match. Sporting Clube went all out in the final minutes, but Doyal Alves and Akeraj Martins could not find the equaliser.
Sporting Clube will next travel to Mumbai to face Kenkre FC on Tuesday. They had an edge past Kenkre 2-1 in the first leg and will have to get back to winning ways.
