Team Herald
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PANJIM: Clube de Salgaocar SC continued their impressive run in the Goa Professional League with a composed 2-0 victory over Dempo Sports Club in the match played at the Dempo Academy ground, Ella-Old Goa, on Tuesday.
Goals from Isac Zomuanpuia and Royal Oliveira sealed the three points in a match that saw Dempo SC struggle to convert their early dominance into goals.
Dempo SC began the game on the front foot, dictating possession and creating several openings in the first 20 minutes. Mevan Dias came closest to scoring in the 31st minute unleashing a long-range effort that whistled past the post by mere inches, much to the frustration of the home side.
Despite Dempo SC’s promising start, it was Clube de Salgaocar who drew first blood in the 43rd minute. A well-worked move near the corner flag saw Thokchom Singh play a neat pass to Isac Zomuanpuia, who calmly slotted the ball past the Dempo SC goalkeeper to give the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The second half saw Clube de Salgaocar continue their disciplined approach while keeping the hosts under constant pressure. In the 49th minute, Thokchom’s corner delivery caused panic in the Dempo SC box with Reezvon Fernandes and Selwyn Miranda both getting touches before the ball rolled inches wide of the post.
As the match progressed, battles intensified. Dempo SC’s Salvador Gama was booked for a late tackle on Rahul Rodrigues in the 60th minute, followed by yellow cards for Asmon Viegas and Salgeo Dias after heavy challenges on Prathesh Shirodkar and Saresh Halarnkar respectively.
Clube de Salgaocar doubled their advantage in the 70th minute following a lapse in the Dempo SC’s defence. Royal Oliveira combined neatly with Isac before taking a shot that initially seemed routine for the goalkeeper. However, a rare fumble saw the ball slip through his grasp and roll into the net, extending Clube de Salgaocar’s lead to 2-0.
Dempo SC pushed forward in the final stages, but the Clube de Salgaocar backline held firm, absorbing pressure with composure.
