Goa Pro League: Sporting Clube de Goa begin campaign with win over Vasco SC

Dattaraj Gaonkar scored the only goal of the game for the Flaming Oranje.

Sporting Clube de Goa got off to a perfect start following their 1-0 win over Vasco SC in the Selvel Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Wednesday.

Dattaraj Gaonkar scored the only goal of the game in the first half stoppage time.

Sporting Clube de Goa coach handed a start to their new signees Ozen Silva in goal and Kunal Kundaikar in defence while Vasco SC named an unchanged XI from their 2-0 win against Churchill Brothers.

The newly-promoted U-20 youngster had a couple of chances early in the game. But both his attempts from inside the box were blocked by Vasco defenders. Had it been placed on either side, Sporting would have been ahead in the game.

The teams battled each other in the midfield for most of the first half. Vasco SC also had an opportunity from a set piece when Denil Rebello sent in a dangerous corner kick into the box which Sanwil D’Costa connected brilliantly. However, his header narrowly sailed over the crossbar.

Just before the break, Vasco came in with another dangerous attack when Desmon Gama received the ball on the right flank and rolled it off to Suraj Monda whose goal-bound shot was blocked by Kunal Kundaikar. The debutant had an impressive first 45 minutes to his new life as a Flaming Oranje.

Sporting survived a late scare in the first half when both the stopper backs Alton Vaz and Kunal went for a single challenge and the ball fell to an unmarked Denil. However, the U-20 player squandered the chance as his weak shot went wide. They finally took the lead in the 45th minute when Girish Naik sent in a curling delivery from the left which was met by a rushing Dattaraj. His header gave no chance for Vasco custodian Sanju Thapa as it went in easily.

Crossing over at half-time, there were not many chances in the last 45 minutes. Vasco had a chance from a set-piece when a long ball from the halfway line fell to Francisco Fernandes, but his shot took a deflection of a Sporting player and went out of play. Vasco officials and players claimed for a handball but the referee showed no interest and pointed for a corner kick.

At the other end, Dattaraj made a fine run and squared the ball to Marcus, who let it go to Rohit. He played it back to Marcus who then shot straight to the keeper.

Akeraj Martins played a good ball in the box from the left flank, which Marcus managed to reach. But Kuldeep recovered well and came with a timely block before the striker could pull the trigger.

Sporting Clube eventually held on to their 1-0 lead till the final whistle, thereby claiming their first win of the season.