AIZAWL: In the 4th round of Hero I-league 2015-16, Sporting Clube de Goa earned three well-deserved points with a 2-0 win over Aizawl FC at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl, courtesy two first half strikes from Nicholas Fernandes and Loveday Okechukwu, in the 1st minute and 27th minute respectively.
Mateus Costa’s boys began leading just seconds after the kick off at 2 pm. Aizawl FC defender Ruatthara committed a mistake in the box and Ferrnandes did not miss his opportunity to score giving his side an early advantage over the local side.
Sporting doubled their lead when long range expert Loveday Okechukwu fired a spectacular ball from the halfway line. The ball found the net, and Sporting doubled their lead in the 30th minute. The score remained the same in the first half.
Aizawl looked prepared to attack from their set-up but their attempts could not be converted by the attackers. Sporting Goa keeper Arindam Bhattacharjya had to be on his toes throughout as Manuel Fraile’s boys continued to pile on pressure on him but he thwarted their attempts.
Aizawl FC’s all efforts in the second half were thwarted by the visiting side in spite of gunning numerous shots on target. Alfred, valpuia and Biaktea miscued their chances and Flaming Oranje kept on winning the midfield battle.
Following Sporting Goa’s this victory, Sporting Goa leapfrog them to the 5th spot with 4 points.
Mateus Costa praised his boys for their valiant efforts, “We are happy because the match went the way we planned today.” Anticipating the next match, he said that his team will start preparing for the next match with Lajong now that their Aizawl match is done.
Manuel sounded a little distorted after the result, “We did not not have focus and concentration. We failed to win the duels and Sporting deserved to take away all three points today.” He asserted that Aizawl FC will make a strong comeback in their next match against Salgaocar, whom they are slated to play in Goa on the last day of this month.
