With the victory in the 24th round of the I-League football championship, the Goan outfit kept its hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
Sporting Clube de Goa today fought back strongly in the second half to down Mahindra United 3-2 and keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive in the 24th round of the I-League football championship.
Mahindra United, who lacked the force to punch holes in the rival defence, scored through defensive lapses in the first half through Sushil Kumar Shinde (22nd min) and Mohammed Rafi (42nd) in the match played at the Nehru Stadium here.
The local outfit, which dominated possession and created several chances, scored through substitute Nathaniel Amos (37th), Junior Obagbemiro (75th), and Adil Khan (80th).
The win takes Sporting Clube de Goa to 24 points from as many games, the same as Salgaocar Sports Club, but the former are lying at the bottom on account of an inferior goal difference.
Mahindra United remained in second place with 38 points from 24 matches.
Both teams played attacking football. Mahindra United drew first blood, scoring in the 22nd minute from a penalty.
Rafi, who was moving dangerously with the ball inside the box, was brought down by Rovan Pereira from behind. Referee Andrew Shekar awarded the penalty which was converted by Shinde beating goalkeeper Felix to his right.
Sporting, after missing two close chances, restored parity in the 37th minute. Obagbemiro initiated the move and relayed the ball to Rovan Pereira, who sent a perfect cross into the box for the tall substitute Amos to head into the net.
The Sporting defence faltered again and gifted a goal when it failed to spring the offside trap. Defenders Felip Gomes and Adil Khan allowed Rafi to sneak into the box and score off a long lob from K Ajayan.
Mahindra slowed down in the second half after taking the lead, allowing the local club to dictate terms and restore parity in the 75th minute through Obagbemiro.
Five minutes later, Sporting scored the winner through Adil Khan, who was adjudged man of the match.
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