AMEBLIM: Dempo SC defeated Panjim Footballers 4-2 via the tie-breaker in the Goa Sevens Premier League, organised by Goa Sevens and Ambelim Sports Club in association with Goa Football Association (GFA), at Ambelim Sports Complex, on Friday.
Suraj Hadkonkar scored early on for the Dempo side while Akeraj Martins made it all square in the second half.
Panjim Footballers made one change to their starting seven that won against Vasco SC with star player Akeraj Martins starting in the team. On the other hand, the Dempo side kept the same line up that won 6-1 to Vasco SC.
The Golden Eagles were the first side to strike at post with Suraj Hadkonkar’s shot being cleared at goal line by the Panjim back. The initial minutes both the sides tried hard to find the opening goal but it was the Dempo side that came close to scoring yet again. This time Vineet Bugde ran inside from midfield only to find his pass missed by Desmon Pereira.
The Panjim side were strong with Akeraj Martins and Clifton Fernandes but the Dempo team kept pressurising the capital post and their attempts finally paid off as Suraj Hadkonkar shot off a free-kick that landed straight into the nets making it 1-0.
The capital city side had a couple of chances in the midfield with Clifton Fernandes and Akeraj Martins moving deep but Nickson Castanha cleared the danger as the Dempo side went into the break with a tender 1-0 lead.
On resumption, the Panjim side kept trying hard to find the equaliser as the coach brought in new feet to boost the sides strength as Darryl Costa and Stendly Costa kept the Dempo SC back strings working hard.
Their hard work finally paid off as Akeraj Martins made it 1-1 after receiving a perfect curling cross from Darryl. Young Desmon Pereira of the Eagles proved to be a threat at the wings for the Panjim team.
Substitute Jaison Vaz’s powerful shot from inside the box hit the top bar denying the Dempo side a lead.
The Panjim side should have taken the lead as they missed two clear goal scoring opportunities. First, Clive Miranda’s long ranger was misjudged by the Dempo custodian but substitute Snedden Rodrigues failed to tap it in, while later Snedden failed to tap in off a hand throw amidst a blank Dempo defence.
In the tie-breaker, Naveen Mendes, Beevan D’Mello and Nickson Castanha scored for the winners, while Clive Miranda scored for the Panjim side.
