Sporting Clube de Goa stayed on course for the title when they sent relegation-threatened Vasco packing with a resounding 5-2 victory in a 20th round match of the National Football League, at the Nehru stadium in Margao, Goa, on Friday.
With this victory, Sporting, who have played two matches more than East Bengal and Dempo, lead the table with 42 points from 20 matches.
East Bengal (39 points) and Dempo (38 points) follow them.
For Vasco, it was their 11th defeat. With 17 points from 20 matches, they are tenth on the league table and certain to be relegated to the second division next season.
Sporting, who led 2-1 at half-time, scored through Dudu Omagbemi (8th, 50th, 86th minute), Edeh Chidi (37th) and Wilton Gomes (68th). Sidney Rodrigues (34th) and substitute Levy Coelho (75th) reduced the margin for Vasco.
Dudu, who is the leading scorer with 20 goals, was declared 'Man of the Match'.