MARGAO, JAN 4
Defending champions Dempo Sports Club downed new entrants ONGC 2-0 in a seventh round match of I-League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Tuesday. All goals came in the first half.
Despite several injury worries and without key players, chief coach Armando Colaco did well to produce a solid display and garner full three points. Dempo president, Shrinivas V Dempo witnessed the match and wished them good luck before the kick off.
Dempo achieved what they set out to do, and without much trouble.
Dempo’s playmaker Brazilian Roberto Mendes da Silva was the chief architect of the victory. He once again produced a solid display and asserted his dominance in the midfield. Central medio man-of-the match Beto worked in tandem with his colleague to create openings for Nigerian Ranty Martins and Joaquim Abranches.
Striker Abranches put Dempo ahead as early as the eight minute after he was picked up by striker Ranty from the right. Dempo came close to increasing the tally thereafter, but midfielder Ogba Kalu’s rasping drive was blocked by ONGC goalkeeper Rajat Ghosh Dastidar. A minute later, ONGC topper back Peter Odafe fumbled with the clearance and lurking striker Abranches with only the rival goalkeeper at his mercy saw his shot being blocked by Dastidar.
Dempo doubled the lead in the 36th minute through a set piece converted by Brazilian Beto following a free-kick.
ONGC had a chance to score following a free kick taken by captain Jatin Bisht from the right. Nduibusi Opara’s smart header kissed the crossbar and went out.
Dempo were a rejuvenated lot after the lemon break and could have made it 3-0 but midfielder Peter Carvalho was the culprit as he failed to connect a Ranty defence- splitting pass. Later goalkeeper Dastidar came to ONGC’s rescue denying Dempo left half Nicolau Borges a sure goal.
The scoreline would have been more impressive had captain Ranty not missed sitters after being fed by Beto.
