Sporting Clube de Goa claimed a thrilling 2-1 win over arch-rivals Dempo SC in a Goa Professional League showdown at the Ella Ground on Saturday, thanks to a last-gasp header from Doyal Alves in stoppage time. The victory marks Sporting Clube’s sixth consecutive win in the league, keeping them unbeaten with a perfect 18 points from six games.
The match began with Dempo setting a fierce pace, testing the Sporting defence early on. In the 25th minute, a foul by Dhiraj Chouhan on Laximanrao Rane gave Dempo a chance to go ahead from the penalty spot. However, Sporting Clube’s dependable goalkeeper Abhimanyu Singh rose to the occasion, diving left to block Nestor Dias’s strike and maintaining the deadlock. Dempo’s attacks didn’t relent, as minutes later, Kapil Hoble almost broke through, only for Abhimanyu to once again thwart his powerful half-volley with a bold save.
Sporting Clube initially struggled to gain control in midfield as Dempo’s relentless high press kept them on the back foot. But just before halftime, Sporting Clube struck first. A precision corner from Selwyn Miranda found Kunal Kundaikar, who rose above Dempo’s defence to head in the opener, sending SC Goa into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Dempo came out determined in the second half and finally equalised in the 65th minute. Daniel, a constant threat down the left flank, sent a perfect cross into the box that Doungel headed past Abhimanyu to make it 1-1.
As the match appeared destined for a draw, SC Goa found the winner deep into stoppage time. Biswa Darjee floated in a well-placed cross from the left, finding Doyal Alves, who powered a header into the net, sparking celebrations among Sporting Clube fans and securing a dramatic 2-1 victory.
