PANAJI
Sporting Clube de Goa narrowly defeated FC Goa 2-1 in a gripping Goa Professional League match at Duler Stadium on Thursday.
FC Goa, coming off a win over Guardian Angel SC, made three changes to their lineup, with head coach Israil Gurung bringing back Lemmet Tangvah on the right wing after injury, Mervin Fernandes to central midfield, and Sitroy Carvalho in defense. Sporting Clube head coach Armando Colaco also reshuffled his squad with four changes, including Dhiraj Chouhan and Klusner Pereira in the backline, while Sushil Meitei controlled midfield and Selwyn Miranda played down the left.
FC Goa took an early lead when Lemmet Tangvah capitalized on a defensive error by Klusner Pereira, executing a clever Panenka over Sporting Clube's goalkeeper just three minutes in. However, Sporting Clube equalized just before halftime, with Selwyn Miranda finishing a well-timed pass from Vikram Venktachalam to level the score.
In the second half, substitute Doyal Alves delivered the decisive blow. A long ball from goalkeeper Abhimanyu Singh caught the FC Goa defense off guard, allowing Alves to tap the ball into an empty net after the FC Goa keeper mistimed his rush.
FC Goa pressed hard to regain the lead, with Bryson Pereira hitting the post and missing a follow-up chance. Despite their efforts, Sporting Clube's defense remained resolute, securing the 2-1 victory and preventing FC Goa from equalizing.
The match showcased Sporting Clube's resilience and tactical discipline, vital in maintaining their lead and emerging victorious against their rivals.
