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Sporting Clube de Goa rallied splendidly from two goals down to snatch an improbable 4-2 win against Pune FC in the 18th round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa on Wednesday.
Pune FC scored two quick goals through Keita Mandjou and found themselves 2-0 ahead inside 20 minutes. But Pune were jolted when Nigerian midfielder Ogba Kalu first scored from the spot and then scored a memorable long ranger to tie the match at the stroke of half time.
In the second session, Sporting dominated and had their noses in front when South Sudan striker James Moga found the mark before Dawson Fernandes killed all hopes with a goal in added time.
The visitors got their second goal also thanks to a defensive lapse. This time Baldeep Singh's shot hit the crossbar and Keita was there, unchallenged, to head home.
Sporting Clube were thrown a lifeline when James Moga won a penalty after being pushed from behind by defender Chika Wali. Kalu stepped up and made no mistake.
Sporting were level at the stroke of half time when Kalu's spectacular pile-driver from almost 40 yards out beat Pune FC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh.
Just when it seemed like the teams would settle for a draw, James Moga scored the match winner as he controlled Freiman Peixoto's long overhead ball and then ended with a classy finish.
Pune FC were still pressing for the equaliser but saw their hopes crushed in added time when Dawson Fernandes' intended cross sailed into the goal.
With this win Sporting Clube now have 27 points from 18 matches while Pune stays at 28 points from 18 outings.
Man of the Match was awarded to Sporting's Ogba Kalu.
Dempo blank Mumbai FC 2-0
Ranti Martins scored a brace, including an injury time goal as Dempo SC defeated Mumbai FC 2-0 to open a six-point lead at the top in the 18th round I League match at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground, Pune on Wednesday.
With 40 points from 18 matches, Dempo are now sitting pretty at the top of the heap while Mumbai FC stays at 14 points from 18 matches, just a whisker away from drop zone after losing their sixth straight match.
Koko Sakibo of Dempo was adjudged man of the match
Shillong Lajong beat HAL 1-0
Riding on a solitary goal from Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Shillong Lajong beat HAL Bangalore 1-0 in the 18th round I League clash, played at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Wednesday.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh scored the only goal of the match in the 39th minute for Shillong Lajong.
With this win Shillong Lajong now have 21 points from 18 clashes while HAL Bangalore are languishing at the bottom of the table with 6 points from 18 matches.