A 90th-minute clinical finish from substitute Joyson Gauncar propelled Sporting Clube de Goa to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Neroca FC at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal on Friday. Gauncar’s late heroics ensured the Flaming Oranje secured all three points in their second I-League 2 outing.
The decisive moment arrived in the final minute of regulation time when Gauncar unleashed a powerful belter from the left flank that flew past Neroca goalkeeper Prateek Kumar Singh. The strike marked a successful bounce-back for the visitors following their narrow opening-day defeat.
Sporting showed early intent, winning a free-kick in the 11th minute after a foul on Rohan Rodrigues by Wahengbam Rohit Meetei. A clever routine saw Alister Anthony lay the ball off for Rodrigues, whose goal-bound effort was headed away by the Neroca defense. Neroca threatened in the 8th minute through Amarjit Singh’s long-range effort, but Sporting goalkeeper Avilash Paul remained alert to keep the scores level.
The match’s best opening came in the 33rd minute when Alister Anthony broke free for a one-on-one chance. However, Singh produced a sliding leg save to deny the striker. Sporting continued to press before the interval, with Ngangbam Naocha Singh and Rodrigues delivering dangerous crosses that narrowly missed the reaching boots of the frontline. Sporting once again came close to scoring just before the break, when Rohan and Kunal combined well in the box, only to see the latter’s effort narrowly missed.
The second half featured a series of corners and physical midfield battles as both sides struggled to break the deadlock. The Flaming Oranje showed intent as coach Varela introduced Vinil Poojary, Sailo, Joyson Gaucar, Doyal Alves and Dhiraj. Sporting’s persistent pressure finally paid off through Gauncar’s late intervention, rewarding a resilient away performance.
Sporting Clube de Goa will next face Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC at the KASA Stadium on April 9.
