PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club were left frustrated following their 0-2 defeat to Kenkre FC at the Ella ground, Old Goa, on Thursday.
This marks their second loss in four matches, putting a dent in their early promotion aspirations.
Despite starting brightly, Dempo SC were unable to convert their early free-kick chance, with Pruthvesh’s effort thwarted by a resolute Kenkre defender.
The turning point arrived in the 15th minute when an unmarked Pawan tapped in from a Loken Meitei free-kick, leaving Dempo chasing the game.
Dempo SC responded with renewed attacking intent, with Necio forcing a good save from the keeper from a curling shot and narrowly missing with a header from a corner. However, their efforts were undone on the counter-attack as Raul Almeida fired a low shot past Wellyster Mendes to double Kenkre’s lead.
The Goan side pressed for an equaliser, with S Doungle providing dangerous crosses and Necio and Vasim spurning good opportunities.
In the second half, Dempo SC had another chance when Doungle found Rahul Paswan with another inviting cross in the 57th minute, but his header rattled the crossbar, summing up Dempo SC’s frustrating evening.
Despite late substitutions and increased pressure, Dempo SC couldn’t find a way through the Kenkre defence, succumbing to their second defeat of the season.
