MAPUSA: Dempo Sports Club came from a goal down to edge past FC Goa by 2-1 margin in the Goa Police Football Cup 2023 organised by Goa Police Football Cell in association with Goa Football Association, at Duler Stadium, here, on Monday.
With both the Professional League teams playing with their development squad the match never rose to great heights.
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Dempo SC lads had two early attempts at the rival goal but Bhuvanesh Shendre fierce shot from inside the 18-yard box hit the defender for a corner while minutes later Dempo SC’s striker Aaron Bareto managed to snatch the ball from medio Prachit Gaonkar, but his weak placement was confidently collected by Young Gaurs goalkeeper Micky Dias.
After the half an hour break, Young Gaurs striker Saish Gaunkar had two strikes at the Golden Eagles goal but were saved by Dempo SC custodian Manas Dubey.
However, finally in the 40th minute, this time Saish collecting a through pass from Bryson Pereira dribbled past the onrushing Dempo SC keeper and coolly placed the ball into the goal 1-0.
In the added time, Young Gaurs should have doubled the lead but this time Saish header off Jordon Borges ball travelled just over the cross bar.
On crossing over, the Golden Eagles came back strongly where they not only levelled terms through defender Pratik Naik’s header but saw skipper Necio Fernandes keep his cool to score from the penalty spot in the added time 2-1.
Dempo SC’s Pratik Naik received the man-of-the-match award from Sudesh Narvekar, DySP.
At Guirim ground, Vasco S trounced host Goa Police SC by 5-0 margin. Vasco SC went into the breather with a three goals cushion with Mandeep Singh netting a hat-trick. On crossing over, Denvil Fernandes and Shanker Shetye pumped in two more goals.
At Sirsaim ground, Geno FC registered a solitary goal win over Sesa FA. The all-important goal for the winners was scored by Abelson Jachi in the 29th minute of play.
At Duler ground under floodlights, FC Tuem SC registered a hard fought 7-5 win via tie-breaker over Vagator PYSC. At the end of the regulation time, the teams were locked in a 3-3 draw. FC Tuem scored 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
