Team Herald
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MARGAO: A spirited display from David Castañeda Muñoz inspired Sreenidi Deccan FC to a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Dempo Sports Club in an I-League clash, at Nehru stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday.
The Colombian forward turned the match around in the second half, scoring twice (53′, 59′) before setting up the winner for Brandon Vanlalremdika (69′). His brace also saw him become the league’s top scorer with 12 goals.
Dempo had earlier taken control with Marcus Joseph (8′) heading in a Juan Mera cross, before Mera (45+3′) doubled the advantage just before the break, capitalising on a rebound after Sreenidi Deccan goalkeeper Aryan Lamba parried Joseph’s shot.
Trailing 2-0 at half-time, Sreenidi Deccan mounted a remarkable fightback. Castañeda ignited the resurgence with a well-placed header from a deep free-kick in the 53rd minute. Six minutes later, he capitalised on a fumble from Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi to equalise.
The decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute when Castañeda delivered a precise cross to Vanlalremdika, who slotted home to seal the stunning comeback.
With this victory, Sreenidi Deccan leapfrogged Dempo to eighth place with 22 points from 16 matches (six wins, four draws, six losses), while Dempo dropped to ninth with 19 points from as many games.
This was not the first time Castañeda orchestrated a second-half turnaround. On January 9, against Aizawl FC, he netted a hat-trick in the final 30 minutes to lead his side to a 4-3 victory after trailing 2-0 at half-time.
The dramatic turnaround in Margao showcased Sreenidi Deccan’s resilience, with Castañeda once again proving to be the difference-maker.
