The Flaming Oranje take on the Red Machine

Sporting Goa team warming up before Churchill test

I-LEAGUE

Sporting Clube de Goa to take on league leaders Churchill Brothers

Sporting Clube de Goa will start as under-dogs when they take on current league leaders Churchill Brothers in the Aiff’s I-league at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Friday. The kick off is scheduled for 3.45p.m.

Sporting Goa will look to build on the momentum after they surprised Salgaocar on Monday and came away with all three points. The Flaming Oranje are now occupying ninth place with 17 points from seventeen matches.

Churchill Brothers have had their lead at the top cut to just two points after a goalless draw with Mumbai FC recently. Churchill is on 38 points from sixteen outings, but has two games in hand.

Sporting Goa will have Joval Martins and Rovan Pereira back from suspension and striker Juanfri is expected to make his debut. Striker Dawson Fernandes and winger Joe Pereira are still doubtful, but the Panjim outfit can rely on Nigerian midfielder Ogba kalu who has played an instrumental role as their top goal scorer so far this season.

Churchill will be without Lebanese defender Bilal Nijjarine who has recently moved to the United Arab Emirates.

When the two clubs met in the Goa Professional league in October, Sporting Goa came away with a 2-0 victory after second half goals from the talented Victorino Fernandes and Rowllin Borges.

In the I-League in December, Churchill triumphed 8-4. Although a lot has changed since those two encounters, the game is expected to be just as exciting.

That 12 goal thriller was incidentally the last I-League match to be played at Fatorda, before the renovation started. This game will be Sporting Goa’s last home match at Duler Stadium, before the I-league competition takes a 40-day break.

Sporting Clube de Goa recruit third Spaniard

juanfrei (right) and Angel looking to boost the Flaming Oranje

Spanish striker signs for the Flaming Oranje!

In a move to boost their attack, Sporting Clube de Goa has completed the signing of Spanish striker Juan Francisco Garcia Pena, also known as Juanfri, on Thursday in Panjim.
The 23 year old has previously played for La Liga side Malaga and more recently Ecija Balompie. He started his career with local side Union Deportiva Fuengirola de Los Boliches, before moving to Estepona. “I am looking forward to the new challenge,” remarked Juanfri.
This is the second Spaniard to sign for the Flaming Oranje in little under a week, after defender Angel Berlanga completed his move and scored on his debut in a 2-0 victory over Salgaocar on Monday.
“It was a dream to score on my debut in front of our supporters. I am hungry to help my new team mates win and the club to climb the ladder,” stated Angel.
Angel has previously played for New Zealand champions Auckland City, who represented the Oceania region at the last two Fifa World Club Cups. On both occasions they were knocked out at the first hurdle by Japanese outfits Kashiwar Reysol and the following year Sanfreece Hiroshima.
“Although we did not do so well, it was a fantastic experience and was also nice to sample a new culture,” said Angel. This is not Angel’s first trip to India as he came on holiday to Rajasthan last year and simply fell in love with the country and its people.
“Capturing the signatures of Angel and Juanfri is great news for the club, they will add a sprinkle of Spanish flavour to a team which is bursting with local Goan talent who make up the core of the team”, summed up Sporting Goa coach Oscar Bruzon.

Angel scores on debut as Sporting Clube de Goa defeat Salgaocar

I-LEAGUE

Spaniard Angel Berlanga netted the winner on his debut as Sporting Clube de Goa overcame 10 men Salgaocar 2-0 in the Aiff’s I-League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Monday. The match was goalless at the breather.

Salgaocar nearly forged ahead after just 11 minutes when Gabriel Obatola’s shot was heading for the bottom corner, before kalu outstretched his leg to divert the ball for a corner.

At the other end kalu’s perfectly timed cross, was met with a stinging volley from Rowllin Borges but the ball sailed just wide of the post.

On the half hour mark, the Sporting Goa goalkeeper Bruno Colaco did well to get down quickly and save from Josimar Da Silva.

Six minutes before the breather, Sporting Goa’s kalu steamed forward with the ball, but his final touch let him down as his shot flew wide of the goal.

In the 40^th minute heroics from Bruno kept Salgaocar at bay, as he made a double save to deny Josimar and within sixty seconds was called into action again to stop Gabriel’s effort from close.

Salgaocar were reduced to ten men in the 60^th minute after Rahul Kumar received a direct red card for a dangerous lunge on Pratesh Shirodkar.

Man-of- the-match, Ogba Kalu gave Sporting Goa the lead in the 64^th minute after beautiful curling the ball in the top corner from a free kick taken on the edge of the box.

Six minutes later, Angel was set free on the right side and his shot ended up in the back of the net after taking an unfortunate deflection of a Salgaocar defender.

Salgaocar came close to pulling a goal back when John Wilkinson blasted a free kick at goal, but a great save from the Sporting Goa custodian Bruno denied him and the Flaming Oranje held on for a valuable three points.

Sporting Clube de Goa: Bruno Colaco (gk), Mathew Gonsalves (c), Samananda Singh, Keita Boubacar, Kalu Ogba, Victorino Fernandes, Pratesh Shirodkar, Mackroy Peixote, Angel Berlanga, Rowllin Borges, Joyner Lourenco.

Subs: (Stephene Barreto in/Mackroy out ’45), (Adil Khan in/ Rowllin out ’76), (Freiman Peixote in/Victorino out ‘90)

Salgaocar: karanjit Singh (gk), Augustin Fernandes, Collin Abranches, Gabriel Obatola, Nicolau Colaco, Rahul Kumar, Josimar Da Silva, Rocus Lamare, Francis Fernandes, John Wilkinson, Gilbert Oliveria.

Subs: (Luciano Sabrosa in/ Gabriel out ‘64), (Milages Gonsalves in/ Gabriel out ’66), (Anthony Barbosa in/ Gilbert Oliveria out 73)

Sporting Goa Manager, Anju Albuerquerque receiving the winners cheque from India coach Wim Koervermans

Sporting Clube de Goa take on Salgaocar in Goan derby clash

I-LEAGUE

It ‘s a crucial game for both sides, as Sporting Clube de Goa gets set to tussle with Salgaocar Football Club in the Aiff’s I-League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Monday. The match which has created a lot of interest is set to kick off at 3.45p.m.

Sporting Goa and Salgaocar are both on 14 points from sixteen matches and are near the foot of the table, which makes this game a must-win for both Goan teams.

Defender Rovan Pereira and midfielder Joval Martins will be missing from the Sporting Goa line-up through suspension. The old war-horse Samanada Singh and reliable Rowllin Borges are set to come back into the side.

Sporting Goa custodian Bruno Colaco who is currently on loan from Margao Sports Club, impressed the coach with a confident performance on his debut against Pune FC, where he managed to keep a clean sheet in the goalless draw and is set to continue between the sticks.    

Salgaocar will be missing defender Fulganco Cardoza through suspension.

The two clubs have not yet met in the I-league this season as the match in the first leg on 22^nd December was postponed due to an unavailable ground.

Salgaocar are currently on a high after a recent 2-0 victory over Mohun Bagan, but the Flaming Oranje have the arsenal to match their opponents in every department and come away with the desired result, which makes the game an exciting prospect.

 

 

 

 

10-men Sporting Clube de Goa are held by Pune

I-LEAGUE

10-men Sporting Clube de Goa were held to a goalless draw by Pune FC in round 17 of the Aiff’s I-League at Balewadi Stadium, Pune on Sunday.

Sporting Goa was reduced to ten men after 28 minutes, when Rovan Pereira was sent off for his second bookable offence, which forced the Flaming Oranje to be extra cautious when moving forward.

Keita Boubacar did well to hold off James Moga’s early advance, with the ball eventually going for a goal kick.

 At the other end a Pratesh Shirodkar corner was punched away by the Pune FC custodian and the ball fell to Ogba Kalu on the edge of the box. He straight away cleverly tried a chip but it was easily gathered by the Pune goalkeeper.

After a quarter of an hour, the Sporting Goa custodian Bruno Colaco, who was making his debut, was called into action to palm away a stinging free kick from Moga.

Sporting Goa’s Seiya Sugishita did well to win the ball in the final third and set Joseph Pereira away, but he soon found himself crowded out on approaching the goal.

Within moments, Sporting Goa’s Bruno had to be at his best to fist away a shot from Sehwag and ten minutes later Pierre’s chip into the box got a touch on, but was somehow cleared away of the goal line after hitting the post.

Just before half time, a cross from Peirre was headed wide by Moga.

Changing over, Sporting Goa started brightly, with Kalu heading a free kick into the path of Seiya, but his tame header was easily plucked to safety by the Pune custodian.

As the game got older, it reduced in tempo with neither team ever really looking to take the initiative to forge ahead. At the death after five minutes of injury time, Moga shot wide from hand shaking distance which proved to be the last real chance of the match.

 Pune FC stays fourth in the table with 30 points from 15 games while Sporting Goa moves to 14 points after 16 games.

 

Sporting Clube de Goa to face Pune

I-LEAGUE

Sporting Clube de Goa will look to put up a strong performance when they face high flying Pune FC in round 17 of the Aiff’s I-League at Balewadi stadium, Pune on Sunday. The kick off is scheduled for 7 p.m. and is live on Ten Action.

Sporting Goa are back on the road after two disappointing home encounters where they were held to a goalless draw by Shillong Lajong and were marginally pipped 1-2 by Prayag last Saturday.

Pune’s nemesis in their last outing was interestingly also Prayag, who put an end to their unbeaten run after 11 rounds.

It will be nice to see which of the two sides has the greater resolve to bounce back from their Prayag nightmare.

Sporting Goa will miss Dawson Fernandes who is suspended after clocking up four yellow cards, but he would not have been considered anyway, as he is currently on the injured list nursing a damaged ankle.  

The onus will be on midfielder Ogba Kalu to fire up the Flaming Oranje. The Nigerian has so far been their top goal scorer this season. Victorino Fernandes is expected to replace Dawson and could partner Japanese striker Seiya Sugishita.

Sporting Goa’s regular custodians, namely Ashok Singh, Gerard D’Mello and Agnel Gomes, have all sustained minor injuries. With this in mind, the Goan’s have reinforced their squad with the signing of Margao’s Bruno Colaco as emergency cover.

The biggest threat the Panjim outfit face will surely come from their former striker James Moga. His aerial presence has caused major problems for teams the length and breath of the land and his former pals will have to find a way to keep him in tow.

Pune are currently fourth with 29 points from 14 matches, while Sporting Goa has 13 points from 15 games.

Panjim Footballers crowned north champions

GFA 3rd DIVISION

Sporting Clube de Goa’s feeder club, Young Panjim Footballers overcame Cj Brothers, Valpoi 2-1 in the finals of the north district 3^rd division play-offs, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Wednesday. Panjim were cruising 2-0 at the interval.

Panjim took the lead in the 22nd minute after Binatone Singh was played through and he managed to blast home the opener.

Seven minutes before half time, Aahan Philips cleanly slotted home to double Panjim’s lead.

Changing over, a strong CJ Brothers side moved forward on numerous occasions and pulled a goal back, but in the end it proved a mere consolation as Panjim Footballers held on for victory.

Panjim Footballers have now qualified for the GFA 3^rd division All Goa final.

Both CJ Brothers and Panjim Footballers have already qualified for the GFA 2^nd division after winning the Bardez and Ilhas zones respectively.

 

Prayag come from behind to win

Sporting Goa’s Adil Khan congratulating Ogba kalu after scoring the opener

I-LEAGUE

Despite leading at half time through a trade mark Ogba Kalu strike, Sporting Clube de Goa lost 1-2 to Prayag United in the Aiff’s I-League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Saturday.

 Sporting Goa had an excellent first 45 minutes, not putting a foot wrong. They played with a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, with a more direct style of play and fully deserved to be ahead at the lemon break.

The Prayag side packed with talent a plenty started to find cracks in the Sporting Goa defence in the second half and took full advantage.

Sporting Goa took the lead in the 22^nd minute, after Pratesh Shirodkar played a clever short free kick to Ogba Kalu on the edge of the box and he fiercely drove the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

 After a strong half time team talk Prayag started to get their act together early on. Within two minutes of the second session, Prayag were back on level terms when a long clearance played down the field found the lethal Ranti Martins and he managed to trick his way past the Sporting Goa stopper Keita Boubacar and slot into the net.

Thirteen minutes from time, Prayag found the match winner after Bello Rasaq beautifully curled the ball into the back of the net, from a free-kick almost 25 yards out.

The Flaming Oranje continued to pile on the pressure right till the death, but somehow the equalizer eluded them.

Sporting Clube de Goa: Ashok Singh (gk), Mathew Gonsalves (c), Adil Khan, Keita Boubacar, Kalu Ogba, Seiya Sugishita, Jovel Martins, Pratesh Shirodkar, Mackroy Peixote, Rovan Pereira, Joyner Lourenco.

Subs: (Stephene Barretto in/ Mackroy out ’69), (Victorino Fernandes in/Seiya out ‘73), (Joe Pereira in/ Joval out ’75)

Prayag United: Sangram Mukherjee (gk), Dhanachandra Singh, Bello Rasaq, Lalkamal Bhowmick, Ranti Martins, Carlos Hernandez, Deepak Mandal (c), Gourmangi Singh, Asif Khan, Lester Fernandes, Sankar Oraon.

Subs: Malsaw Tluanga in/ Sankar out ’35), (Tapan Maity in/ Lester out ’61), (Kayne Vincent in/Carlos out ’69)

Sporting Clube de Goa seek 2nd victory over Prayag

I-LEAGUE
Sporting Clube de Goa will lock horns with Prayag United in the Aiff’s I-League football tournament at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Saturday.

Sporting Goa defeated Prayag United 3-1 barely a fortnight ago, in Kalyani when Ogba kalu scored a brace and Joseph Pereira tapped in the third to secure all three points.

With this in mind, Sporting Goa can go into the game with full confidence that lightning can strike twice.

In the opposite corner, Prayag are coming into the match on the back of two good wins against higher placed Dempo and Pune and will be looking to build on that run to propel them further up the table.

The Flaming Oranje has stopper Keita Boubacar back from suspension, but there is serious doubt regarding the fitness of stopper Samananda Singh and it could well be that the 21 year old Joyner Lourenco who impressed the coach in the last match holds on to his place in the first eleven.

The other major doubt for Sporting Goa is striker Dawson Fernandes who had to be replaced after just seven minutes in Tuesday’s goalless draw against Shillong Lajong with an ankle injury. Dawson will have a late fitness test on the morning of the game to see if he is ready.

Sporting Goa is currently 10th with 13 points from 13 matches, while Prayag are 5th with 20 points from fourteen matches.

Sporting Goa’s Spanish coach Oscar has asked his players to treat this important match like the World Cup. His opposite number, Eclo Schattorie is from the Netherlands and keeping their technical nous in mind, this game could well have all the emotions and drama of a World cup encounter, played out in the small atmospheric Duler Stadium.

Striker Obiora departs Sporting Clube de Goa

Obiora Richard Anorue

Sporting Clube de Goa has recently parted amicably with their Nigerian striker Obiora Richard Anorue, after the club felt they needed someone more effective in front of goal.
Obiora joined midway through the season after replacing Cameroonian striker Bong Betrand who also did not fit into the scheme of things.
The 27 year old made his debut for the club against Mohun Bagan in November and scored in his very second match against Mumbai FC, but since then has not quite kept up to the early promise.
Sporting Goa is now on the lookout for another foreign recruit to fill up their quota. The club currently has Guinea defender Keita Boubcar, Nigerian midfielder Kalu Ogba and Japanese striker Seiya Sugishita on their roster.
While there have been numerous offers from agents, the club is looking for a player who will blend in to the Flaming Oranje’s exciting style of play.
Presently two Spanish strikers and one Nigerian striker are on the club’s radar and one is certain to be finalised in time for the transfer window.
The club wishes Obiora all the success in his career.