Agencies
Manipur
Sporting Clube de Goa hopes of moving into the I-League were dashed after a 1-2 defeat against NEROCA FC at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Manipur on Friday. Sporting Clube de Goa began with strong attacking intent, applying early pressure but unable to capitalize on their chances.
Sporting Clube de Goa’s destiny is in their own hands. Two wins from their final two matches will seal qualification to the I-League round, thanks to their superior head-to-head record against Chanmari FC. Even if SC Goa and Chanmari finish level on points, Sporting Clube will advance due to a better head-to-head (1-0 win at home, 1-1 draw away). However, if Chanmari drop points in either of their remaining fixtures, it opens the door even wider for SC Goa, who could then qualify with just a win and a draw. That said, if Chanmari win or draw both of their remaining games, it’s game over for SC Goa.
In the 3rd minute, Neroca FC’s Dinesh Singh broke through and found the net, catching Sporting’s defence off guard and shifting the early momentum. Later on, Singh continued to press forward, attempting a header in the 13th minute that sailed over the bar.
The match saw tempers flare in the 18th minute when Neroca FC’s Saphaba Singh Telem was shown a red card following a clash with a SCG player, reducing the home side to ten men.
Sporting Clube pushed forward again in the 32nd minute with a promising move inside the box, but the final finish didn’t materialize.
