I-League: Sporting Goa edge past Shillong Lajong 2-1

Two second-half strikes from Sporting Clube de Goa ensured they bag full points with a 2-1 win over Shillong Lajong 2-1 in an I-League encounter at the Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.

It was Brandon Fernandes who put the visitors ahead, but Brazilian forward Uilliams Bomfin equalised for Lajong some minutes later. Nigerian Odafa Okolie netted the winner for Sporting just when the tie was heading for a stalemate.

After a barren first half, the deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute as Brandon, Sporting's trusted midfielder latched onto a pass and unleashed a right-footer which the Lajong custodian failed to get around to as the ball rattled the net.

Jolted, the hosts were quick to respond and came back on level terms five minutes later as Bomfin was quick to slot home a ball from the edge of the 18-yard box to the left of the Sporting goalkeeper Ravi Kumar.

However, seven minutes from the 90th minute mark, Odafa grabbed the winner. The former Mohun Bagan striker took full advantage of Lajong custodian Rehenesh TP's dreadful positioning and floated gently a pass into the back of the net.

The win takes Sporting to sixth in the table with Lajong are a rung below at seventh with both having 20 points from 18 games, but the former ahead on goal difference.