MAPUSA: Ten-men Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim were heart broken as they went down 3-0 to new league leaders Tuff Laxmi Prasad Sports Club, in GFA’s Goa Professional League, round six match, at Duler Stadium, here, Monday.
A draw would have been a fair result but a controversial penalty by referee Prasad Surlekar allowed Tuff Laxmi to take the lead in the 68th minute as Mackroy Peixoto converted coolly from the spot-kick. Cavelossim were disturbed and soon defender Nevil Miranda took out his frustration on rival striker Opara, only to receive a direct red card and worsen things for his side as Opara and his striking partner Marcus Mascarenhas netted a goal each.
Tuff Laxmi go on top of the table for the first time with 13 points while Cavelossim dropped to the second spot and are a point behind.
In terms of ball possession, Tuff Laxmi were superior in the first half but the best opportunity was created by their opponents. Bonny Niasso delivered a perfect cross to unmarked Mario Mascarenhas but the skipper shot wide from close with only Tuff Laxmi keeper Jason D’Mello at his mercy in the 20th minute.
Cavelossim were without their star striker James Fernandes as the under-20 was out due to suspension.
At the other hand, Tuff Laxmi fielded two foreigners in the form of Chika Wali and striker Opara, who made his debut.
The Bardez side started attackingly with Opara’s stiff grounder testing rival keeper Ram Sroop early on. They continued to attack with several flag-kicks, most of which were ineffective.
The teams went head-to-head in the second session. However, Tuff Laxmi took the lead through Mackroy’s spot-kick which was controversially awarded by match referee Prasad Surlekar after Opara was brought down by keeper Ram in the 68th minute.
Cavelossim were disheartened. Five minutes later, they were reduced to ten-men after defender Nevil received a direct red card for deliberately kicking Opara from behind.
The Mapusa outfit took the numerical advantage and doubled their lead through Opara, who bulged the nylons after being beautifully set up by his striking partner Marcus.
In the injury time, Marcus was rewarded for his hard work as keeper Ram could not block the strikers stiff grounder, 3-0.
