u-19 i-league
MAPUSA, MAY 16
Dempo Sports Club scored a narrow 2-1 win over Salgaocar Sports Club in U-19 I-League at Duler ground, here on Sunday, to finish second in the table and qualify for the second round in Kolkata.
Sporting won the group with 10 points followed by Dempo 7 points. Churchill was third finishing on 4 while Salgaocar and Viva Kerala finished on three points respectively.
On the stroke of half time Dempo were awarded a penalty. An attempt by Dempo skipper Shallum Pires was brilliantly saved by the Salgaocar goalkeeper.
Dempo opened the scoring in the 58th minute through Velito Cruz off a rebound.
The lead lasted only two minutes as Salgaocar pushed forward for the equalizer. They were awarded a penalty after Jayesh Chopdekar fouled Standly Fernandes. Salgaocar skipper stepped and made no mistake as he smashed the ball in the top left hand corner of the net.
With fifteen minutes to go, both sides made a change to continue to press for the match-winner. Aliston Fernandes replaced Richard Costa for Salgaocar while Dempo brought in Myron Fernandes in place of Terence Fernandes.
In the 81st minute, Myron Fernandes scored for Dempo after deceiving the goalkeeper and punting the ball into the far corner of the net.
In the closing stages, Don Bosco Fernandes crossed for Salgaocar, but Dawson missed the chance to volley.
Dempo will kick off their next match in Kolkatta on May 24 while Sporting will start their campaign a day earlier.
This tournament will last for 10 days and will see young footballers who will be looking to impress their coaches and break into the senior team. In particular, Dempo custodian Guendolen Vaz, Churchill defender Ryan Merghula, Sporting midfielder Valerio Rodrigues and Salgaocar striker Dawson Fernandes.
