Defending champions Sporting Club de Goa clinched the top spot in the Goa Pro League with a 1-0 win over former champions Churchill Brothers. The match was played at Duler Stadium in Mapusa on Saturday.
The unbeaten Sporting now has eight points from two wins and two draws of their four matches. The Flaming Orange now has a one-point lead over Vasco Sports Club. This was also the first loss for the Churchill Brothers in the tournament. They now have four points from three matches.
Churchill Brothers FC was in control of the match from the opening whistle. They came close to scoring as the Red Machine was awarded a free kick just outside the box. But forward Afdal Varikkodan could not convert the free header. They also had another opportunity just two minutes later but Sporting keeper Ozen Silva came out of the box to clear the shot.
In the second half, Clive Miranda scored a powerful header in the 50th minute, which was enough to give Sporting Club a point. Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Nora Fernandes was unable to stop Clive's header on a pass from Girish Naik. One goal down, the Red Machine went all guns blazing and played aggressively. They created many chances but couldn’t convert any thanks to the water-tight defending by Sporting.
Now the Churchill Brothers FC will face Panjim Footballers on the 3 November whereas Sporting Club De Goa will go against Calangute Association on 18 November.
