Team Herald
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PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club put up a good show sealing a crucial 2-0 win over Inter Kashi, thanks to a resilient defensive effort and the brilliance of goalkeeper Ashish Sibi, in the I-League match played at Kalyani Stadium, West Bengal, on Friday.
Playing away from home, Dempo SC capitalised on their chances and punished 10-man Inter Kashi, securing just their second win in eight games.
While title contenders Inter Kashi remained stuck in the third place with 21 points from 13 matches, Dempo SC closed the gap to 17 points, reigniting their fight for a stronger finish in the league.
Inter Kashi started on the front foot, dominating possession and creating early chances. Matija Babovic came close with a quick turn and shot, while Sarthak Goloui fired over from range. But just as the hosts looked poised for a breakthrough, the game turned on its head. Defender Sandip Mandi was sent off in the 36th minute, picking up a second yellow for a reckless challenge, leaving Inter Kashi down to 10 men for the rest of the match.
Dempo SC wasted no time taking advantage. Six minutes later, Juan Mera’s electrifying run opened up space for a perfect cutback, which Damian Perez Roa smashed into the far corner, giving Dempo SC a shocking lead.
Despite being a man down, Inter Kashi fought back before halftime, forcing Sibi into two world-class saves - first denying Babovic in a one-on-one situation and then stretching full-length to palm away Edmund Lalrindika’s curling effort.
The second half was all about Sibi’s heroics. The Dempo SC shot-stopper made another crucial one-on-one save in the 60th minute, stopping Lalrindika’s attempted dink.
Five minutes later, Inter Kashi had a golden opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot after Domingo Berlanga was fouled inside the box. But Sibi, even after committing to a dive, somehow adjusted in mid-air to keep Berlanga’s low shot out, preserving Dempo SC’s slender lead.
With Inter Kashi desperate for an equaliser, Dempo SC struck the killer blow in the 81st minute. A mix-up between goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya and defender V Bijoy saw a miscommunication hand Damian his second of the night, as he coolly walked the ball into an empty net.
Despite some late half-chances from the hosts, Dempo SC held firm to clinch a massive away win - one that could prove to be a turning point in their campaign.
With Sibi in inspired form and Damian delivering the goods up front, Dempo SC’s fightback in the I-League is well and truly on.