Federation Cup: Sporting pip Kalighat 3-2

Siliguri – Sporting Clube de Goa reaped the advantage of scoring early as it sneaked past a resurgent Kalighat Milan Sangha of Kolkata 3-2 in the second round Group C match of the Federation Cup football here at the Kanchanjungha Stadium.

Dawson Fernandes scored two, including a penalty, while Macroy Piexote found the net once as Sporting Clube established a 3-1 lead at half time. Nigerian Christopher Chizoba found the Sporting Clube net once in each session as Kalighat MS mounted a late challenge.

Looking for a win after having held heavyweights East Bengal 1-1 in the first round of the group engagement, Sporting Clube gained early advantage when Macroy Piexote breached the Kalighat citadel in the 12th minute. Kalighat MS fought back and restored parity the 36th minute when Christopher scored from a powerful long ranger.

Sporting Clube restored the lead soon after when Dawson scored from the spot in the 43rd minute after he was brought down inside the Kalighat box. Dawson got into the scoring act again within three minutes and found the back of the Kalighat net with an angular finishing.

Sporting Clube reduced its attacking intent after the break allowing Kalighat to reduce the margin in the 72nd minute, when Chirstopher accomplished a solo effort.

Result: Sporting Clube 3 (Macroy Piexote, Dawson Fernandes 2) beat Kalighat MS 2 (Christopher Chizoba 2).