A clinical second-half strike from Doyal Alves was enough to secure all three points for Sporting Clube de Goa as they defeated SESA Football Academy 1-0 at the Duler Stadium on Friday. The victory reinforces the Flaming Oranje’s title credentials as they navigate the final stages of the Super League.
The first half was a balanced affair, characterized by defensive discipline from both sides. SESA FA nearly found the breakthrough in the 20th minute, but Sporting goalkeeper Abhimanyu Singh remained alert, safely gathering a dangerous goal-bound effort to keep the game scoreless heading into the interval.
The second half witnessed an immediate shift in tempo. Sporting sought an early advantage through a Samuel Costa corner, but the SESA custodian commanded his area well, heading the delivery clear of danger. SESA FA responded in the 51st minute with a corner of their own, though the resulting strike lacked the necessary accuracy and rippled the side netting.
The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute. Exploiting a gap in the defense, striker Doyal Alves sprinted down the right flank before unleashing a clinical finish into the back of the net to break the deadlock.
SESA FA almost produced an immediate equalizer in the 54th minute, launching a rapid counter-attack from the right side, but the final effort sailed over the crossbar. Sporting continued to press for a second, with Rohan Rodrigues curling a free kick just wide of the target in the 63rd minute.
In the 68th minute, Mark Carvalho tested the SESA keeper with a powerful drive, but the scoreline remained unchanged. Sporting’s resilient backline ensured the 1-0 lead held firm until the final whistle.
Sporting Clube de Goa will be back in action at the Duler Stadium on April 24, where they are scheduled to face Dempo SC at 4:00 PM.
