MAPUSA: A two-goal blitz by Beneston Baretto enabled Dempo Sports Club to hold Sporting Clube de Goa to a 2-2 draw and retain the top spot in GFA’s Super League match at Duler stadium here,Tuesday.
After today’s drawn encounter Dempo’s tally rose to 27 points while Sporting Clube de Goa has 26.
The first session, saw plenty of action, where the teams scored a goal each, two red cards were issued to Dempo’s Antonio Da Silva and Under-20 Vieri Colaco and one to Sporting’s Nickson Castanha. The refereeing by Ritesh Castanha left much to be desired as several rough tackles went scot-free. And, Dempo’s Beneston, who was wrongfully cautioned saw his caution being reversed after the referee’s consultation with his assistant referees.
The Golden Eagles opened their account in the 8th minute. Striker Beneston collected a brilliant through pass from Gourav Kankonkar, covered some ground and placed the ball into the far corner of the goal 1-0.
Dempo’s received a jolt in the 13th minute with the sending off, of their goalkeeper Antonio Da Silva by the referee. The custodian left his charge and in the process was involved in a reckless tackle on Sporting’s Velito, outside the penalty box.
Minutes later, Sporting’s Akeraj Martin’s sent the ball across the goal area only to see Dempo’s substitute goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes get his hands to the ball before Stendly Fernandes could nod the ball home.
Soon after, Sporting’s Nickson and Dempo’s Under-20 Vieri were involved in rough play. Vieri lost his cool and openly kicked Nickson, who was lying on the ground. Nickson received his second booking while Vieri received a direct red card.
Dempo was left with nine men and Sporting with ten.
At the stroke of 45th minute, Sporting managed to equalize through Stendly Fernandes’ header off a cross from Velito 1-1.
From the nine minutes of added time, Sporting almost took the lead but the Dempo goalkeeper managed to block a fierce strike from Velito.
On crossing over, in the very 2nd minute, Beneston darted inside the penalty box and drilled a hot-blooded shot but Sporting’s Under-20 goalkeeper Bhaskar Jalmi blocked his effort.
Four minutes later, a curling corner from Velito was accurately headed into the goal by Sporting’s Joel Colaco 2-1.
In the last quarter, Dempo came up with repeated raids but Sporting’s goalkeeper Bhasker brought off two outstanding saves to block Beneton’s header from close and later, he flung to his left to stop a well-executed free kick from Suraj Hadfonkar.
In the added time, Sporting’s goalkeeper Bhasker and defender Clive Miranda collided and the ball came to Beneston who was lurking nearby and the last named intelligently lobbed the ball inside the unguarded goal to send the Dempo teammates and supporters into raptures 2-2.
Beneston Baretto received the man-of-the match award from Glen Martins, international footballer and ISL player with ATK Mohun Bagan
In a Relegation Match at Nagoa-Verna, Velsao Sports and Cultural Club surrendered a 2-0 lead and went down fighting to Guardian Angel Sports Club 2-3.
Velsao led 1-0 at the break with Meuton Fernandes being the sorer in the 25th minute. Velroy Carvalho then added the second in the 55th minute and the team looked to be sitting pretty until the 66th minute as Joel Barreto managed to reduce the margin for Guardian Angel.
Shubam Jena scored the precious equaliser for Guardian Angel in the 73rd minute and Ghana’s Bamba Musah Moctar netted the precious match-winner. The teams received three yellow cards each.
