PANJIM: Mandar Rao Dessai struck when it mattered to give Dempo Sports Club a 1-0 win over Gangtok Himalayan SC in the final phase of the Second Division I-League match, at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, on Saturday.
Dempo SC star duo Mandar Rao Dessai and Romeo Fernandes made an immediate impact for the club on their return from suspension as they combined for the only goal of the match.
The left-footed winger bagged the match-winner in the 75th minute off Romeo’s assist. Mandar’s shot from the left flank beat the rival keeper and went straight in the goal.
Dempo SC fielded six ISL players in the starting eleven including FC Goa stars Mandar Rao Dessai, Romeo Fernandes and Kattimani- yet the Goan outfit struggled against the host and were lucky to walk with the three valuable points.
The first half saw Gangtok Himalayan dominate from the start and Dempo SC keeper Laxmikanth Kattimani pulled off couple of brilliant save to send his team level into the breather. At the other end, Felix missed two glorious chances as both his efforts were off target from a touching distance. Post resumption saw a different Dempo SC, as the Goan outfit kept more of ball possession and soon scored the goal in the 75thminute. Gangtok tried to equalize but Dempo SC defended resolutely to deny the opponents from scoring.
“To score on my return is a good thing but moreover we wanted to start the campaign with a win. The entire team gave their best for this result,” said Mandar on scoring on his return for the club.“I dedicate this win to my entire team. I’m extremely happy that we got the three points,” added Mandar.
Dempo SC take on Neroca FC on April 2 in Imphal.
