MARGAO: Dempo Sports Club opened their Second Division I-League (West Conference) campaign with a 1-0 victory over PIFA Football Club, at Raia panchayat ground, on Sunday.
Milagres Gonsalves scored the only goal for The Golden Eagles from the spot-kick in the first half.
Even though Dempo SC were without their key players who are currently participating in the ongoing ISL, Maurcio Afonso’s men came out with a positive result.
Mauricio started the match with new recruit Josimar Da Silva Martins upfront alongside Milagres and the pair gelled up well but couldn’t find the end result in the initial stages.
Dempo SC totally dominated the match with Velito Cruz controlling the midfield.
The Golden Eagles could have scored in the very first minute but Milagres’ header came off the cross bar.
Also, Dempo SC’s Velito was denied twice by the post. First his free-kick hit the upright and later was denied once again by the post late in the second half.
PIFA were lost on the field and were restricted in their own half for most of the play.
Just before the break, match referee awarded Dempo SC a penalty after Stevan Dias was brought down by PIFA keeper Fasi Shalahudeen in the box.
Milagres stepped up and calmly converted with ease which proved to be the decider.
