I-League: Sporting Clube de Goa edge past Salgaocar FC

Midfield maverick Kalu Ogba Nnanna went from zero to hero as Sporting Clube de Goa defeated table toppers Salgaocar FC by a solitary goal in the I-League at the Duler ground in Mapusa on Sunday afternoon. The Flaming Oranje led 1-0 at the break.

Sporting Goa’s Ogba Kalu had seen his seventh minute penalty wonderfully stopped by the Salgaocar goalkeeper Karanjit Singh, once he was finally able to take it after long protests from Salgaocar players. But in the 23rd minute Kalu made up for his earlier missed spot-kick by perfectly placing his shot into the corner, inside a crowded 6 yard box, after receiving a firm pass from Boima Jerry Karpeh.

In the second session, despite the slender lead The Flaming Oranje looked in control and never seemed to be on the back foot against a disappointing Salgaocar FC. In the closing stages, Sporting Goa captain Mathew Gonsalves sent Jerry through on goal, but his effort flew back of the post after he was pursued vigilantly by the Salgaocar defence.

Sporting Goa’s Ogba Kalu was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Sporting Clube de Goa coach Oscar Bruzon was pleased with the performance of the team, “we were nearly perfect today. Perfect would have been if we were able to convert more of the chances we created.”

Oscar Bruzon dedicated the Sporting Goa victory to injured striker Dawson Fernandes, who is currently out with a long-term anterior cruciate ligament knee injury.

Sporting Clube de Goa move to 18 points from eleven games, now level with Salgaocar FC and Pune FC while Bengaluru FC are leading the standings with 21 points from eleven matches.