NT Reporter
Bambolim
Sporting Clube de Goa began their I-League 2 campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to United SC at the Bambolim Stadium, on Saturday
The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Amil Naim squeezed in from a tight angle on the left, beating debutant goalkeeper Avilash Paul. The keeper had earlier kept Sporting in the contest with a sharp save from Sumay Shome and a confident punch from an early corner.
Sporting’s debut-heavy XI showed early promise. Ngangbam Naocha Singh linked up well with Jerry Pulamte, forcing a defensive intervention, while Ragav Gupta delivered a teasing corner that saw Joshua Rae head just wide.
The contest remained physical through the first half, with cautions issued to Niraj Parekh and Rae for mistimed challenges, while Bickey Thapa went into the book for United.
After the break, Sporting pushed higher. Dattaraj Gaonkar picked out substitute Robi Hansda with a precise cross, but his header drifted over. Hansda later turned provider for Alister Anthony, whose effort also failed to hit the target.
Chances continued to come late on. Rohan Rodrigues fired over from distance, while Umair Syed came closest in stoppage time, his attempt brushing the side netting.
Despite the defeat, Sporting showed enough attacking intent to build on as they prepare for their next fixture away to Neroca FC at the Khuman Lampak Stadium on April 3.
