Goa Pro League: Sporting Clube are champions, again

Panaji: Sporting Clube de Goa were pushed to the limit before they defended their Goa Professional League title after a goalless draw against challengers Dempo SC in the concluding league clash at the Dempo Academy ground, Ella, on Friday.
Sporting needed a draw in the final game and they did enough to restrict the young Dempo side on their home turf. They finished the season with 46 points with 15 wins, three draws and only two defeats.
Dempo, who did well in the Reliance Development Football League (RFDL) national finals, needed nothing less than three points but were forced to settle for the runnersup finish with 45 points.
Sporting had recently completed their I-League 2 engagements where they finished third and missed out on promotion to the second tier of Indian football. Armando Colaco’s side had to tackle tight fixtures, but the team proved their mettle by finishing on top.
“We were tired from playing so many games,” Armando told TOI. “The boys needed rest, but they still played and gave their best. I am very happy.”
The first Goan to win the Dronacharya Award, Armando dedicated the win to everyone involved in the club’s journey.
“This victory is dedicated to all players, owners, coaching staff and most importantly our supporters. We were much better than last year,” said Armando, whose future at Sporting is uncertain as his three-year contract ends this season.
Sporting had edged past Dempo 2-1 in the first leg and started confidently with a mix of senior and young players. But even as they had more ball possession, Sporting couldn’t create any clear chances. The window opened only before the half an hour mark when Biswa Darjee sent in a dangerous cross from the right. It went across the Dempo goal and Naocha Singh couldn’t get a connection at the end of it.
The intensity increased after the cooling break, and it got heated. Naocha and Dempo’s Laximanrao Rane got into a tussle and landed up exchanging blows. Referee Sunil Nanodkar managed to get the situation under control and then flashed red cards at both the players.
After the break, it looked like the teams could break the deadlock, but a goal never arrived.
In the final quarter, Dempo went all out and had a glorious opportunity when Arnold Oliviera’s cross was fumbled by Sporting keeper Siddharth Rana. Substitute Shreyash Naik could easily be Dempo’s hero but his effort sailed over with Rana rooted on the ground.
“To defend a title is never easy, it demands character, consistency, belief. And that belief has been shown week in and week out by our players, staff, and most importantly, by everyone who stands by this club,” said club president Natalina Vaz.
“Next season, we will get even better. I am pretty sure the team will work hard for the third title and more importantly work towards I-League qualification,” she added.
Salgaocar secure I-League 3 berth
Mapusa: New entrants Clube de Salgaocar registered a 2-0 win against Geno FC in the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Friday.
Salgaocar finished third in the standings with 41 points and secured a place in the I-League 3 qualifiers next season.
Geno needed a win but had to settle for the fourth spot on 36 points. They were unlucky not to score on three occasions in the first session as Abelson Jachi and Franky Oliveiro were left frustrated.
Salgaocar had just one good attempt by Denil Rebello which was brilliantly saved by Geno goalkeeper Savio Pereira.
Salgaocar broke the deadlock through Saeesh Halarnkar in the 68th minute after a goal-mouth melee. Isac Zomuanpuia then converted a penalty after he was brought down by Geno goalkeeper Savio Pereira.
At Sirsaim ground, FC Goa defeated Sesa FA 2-0.