Goemkarponn desk
MAPUSA: Alister Anthony rose from the bench and scored a fine brace as Sporting Clube de Goa fought back for a 3-1 win against FC Goa’s developmental side in the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Monday.
Lemmet Tangvah (59’) broke the deadlock for FC Goa in the second half through a penalty. However, Doyal Alves (72’) equalised for Sporting and then Alister (79, 90+5) converted a penalty and netted his brace in added time with a fine finish.
With the final round to be played on Wednesday, Sporting climbed to the top spot of the standings. They have 46 points after 23 games. Sesa FA are second with a point less while Pax of Nagoa SC are third with 44 points and take on Sporting in the final round at Benaulim ground.
Sporting had to keep pace with the young FC Goa players. FC Goa had the lion’s share of ball possession, but Sporting centre-backs Joyner Lourenco and captain Joel Colaco did well to leave them frustrated.
Soon after the restart, striker Lloyd Cardozo had a golden opportunity when he was put through, but rival keeper Bob Jackson made a timely interception.
However, in the 56th minute, Sporting conceded a penalty after Joel brought down Akash Orawo. Lemmet Tabgvah stepped up and shot past Sporting keeper Abhimanyu Singh from the spot.
But Sporting fought back and equalised as Doyal Alves gave the finishing touches to a dangerous low cross from Kunal Kundaikar in the 70th minute.
Seven minutes later, Sporting earned a penalty after a rival player handled the ball inside the danger zone and match referee Sunil Nanodkar didn’t hesitate to point to the spot kick.
Alister Anthony, who came on as a substitute, kept his cool and converted the penalty.
FC Goa pressed hard in the final quarter, but Sporting kept their concentration intact.
Alister put the match to bed in added time as he skilfully dribbled past a host of rival players and curled in a beauty.
