I-LEAGUE Media Team

GOA: Sporting Clube de Goa continue to stay rooted at bottom of the table after settling for a 1-1 draw against Shillong Lajong FC in a Hero I-League clash at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.

Anthony Wolfe had given Sporting Clube the lead in the fourth minute itself but Glenn Cornell salvaged a point for Shillong Lajong when he scored the equalizer in the 45th minute.

Sporting Clube de Goa took an early lead and that too when probably nobody expected them to surge ahead. Odafa Okolie grabbed a ball from the centre and then slipped it past the defence for Anthony Wolfe to run through and get the better of goalkeeper Vishal Kaith with a rasping drive.

Shillong Lajong were not unnerved with the early setback and took control of the proceedings. Glenn Cornell was a dangerous customer and proved a slippery customer for the rival defence. He created two chances for himself but could not give the finishing touches. At first, his left footer hit the post and then when he appeared to have done everything, his final ball was wide of the mark.

Shillong Lajong, though, were rewarded at the stroke of half time when Boithang Haokip sent a long ball that Glenn trapped well, turned away from his marker and scored with ease.

Sporting Clube were handed a lifeline in the second session when Shillong Lajong goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was sent off for handling the ball outside the box in the 50th minute.

Sporting Clube should have capitalized on that advantage but Lajong were resolute in defence and hardly allowed the home team any chances. Worse for the hosts, Joyner Lourenco picked up his second booking and was promptly sent off.
Odafa and Victorino Fernandes went close for Sporting Clube towards the closing stages of the match.

Sporting Clube are now at the bottom of the pool with five points, unable to win a game in 10 matches. Shillong Lajong are placed just above them with seven points but have an additional match in hand.

Hero of the Match – Odafa Okolie.