By Sporting Clube de Goa Media
GOA: Sporting U-15 put up a formidable performance to beat SAI-Goa 2 – 1 in the AIFF U-15 Youth League at Assolna Football Ground on Tuesday to confirm their spot from the Goa zone. One goal each from Sweden Fernandes and Aman Govekar in either half sealed the match for Flaming Oranje. The consolation goal for SAI – Goa was scored by TH London in the closing stages of the match.
The first half witnessed a fairly balanced contest between both teams as they made numerous attempts at either ends but failing to make much impact. However it was Sporting who had the edge over SAI-Goa as they came close to scoring twice within the first 15 minutes from a close range. The first opportunity came when Stendly Fernandes made a fantastic run into the box failing to bury the ball into the nets. The second opportunity came in when Standely Fernandes and Aman Govekar combined well as the latter fired a shot only to be blocked by the SAI defense.
The first goal came in the 34th minute as Standely Fernandes once again made a fantastic run on the left to send in a beautiful cross which went screaming past Aman Govekar, however Sweden Fernandes who was closing in from the right latched on the juicy cross to put Sporting ahead. After gaining the lead Sporting launched a series of attacks but SAI defense managed to contain them.
The second half started on a cautious note as SAI-Goa added some fire power trying to find the early goal. The Sporting back line put up a brave performance denying any of the SAI players to make an impact inside the box. Either teams missed some glorious opportunities which could have changed the course of the match entirely. Rest of the action came towards the closing stages as Aman Govekar once again came up with a fantastic goal to leave the SAI players stunned and the crowed amazed as his right footed shot sailed into the nets to seal the match for Sporting.
SAI-Goa kept knocking the doors and finally found a consolation goal through TH London in the injury time as his well placed shot went past the Sporting custodian Akshat Gopal who otherwise had a wonderful evening.
