TEAM HERALD
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MAPUSA: Panchwadi United Sports Club got the better of Dempo 3-1 in a GFA under-18 State play-off semi-final football match at Duler Stadium, here, Wednesday. Panchwadi led 1-0 at the breather.
Dempo enjoyed the lion’s share of ball possession but it was their rivals who made most of the given chances.
Dempo started on an offensive note and kept their rivals off-balance with some quick short passes. They could have surged ahead in the 10th minute after Quan Gomes cleverly set up Nikesh Mangueshkar inside the box but the latter ballooned over with only Panchwadi goalkeeper Neveel D’Costa at his mercy.
Panchwadi made a slow start but took an unlikely lead in the 22nd minute after Rosemond Rodrigues’ dangerous low cross from the right flank was too hot to handle for Dempo goalkeeper Frazer Afonso, who fumbled in his collection and the ball entered the net.
Stunned by the setback, Dempo tried hard in search of the equalizer but efforts from Quan, Areski Sundarji and Sanford Rodrigues missed the mark narrowly.
Changing over, Dempo began with a renewed sense of purpose and dominated the proceedings. In the 58th minute, Dempo came close to scoring after centre-back Allen Fernandes sent in a long ball to Sanford, who however, shot wide.
Subsequently, Dempo substitute Filburn Crasto worked tirelessly and set up Quan at the edge of the box but Quan’s rasping effort was blocked by a rival defender.
At the other end, just when it looked like Panchwadi were losing their grip, they regrouped and doubled their lead through a set piece. Silveston Pereira’s well measured free-kick sailed over the Dempo defence and found teammate Ashwin Godinho, who leapt over and powerfully headed in past the helpless rival custodian.
Dempo soon pulled one goal back after Filburn tapped in from close range off a cross from Nikesh in the 66th minute.
In the next minute, Panchwadi’s Menson Rodrigues made it 3-1 with an adroit placement.
Panchwadi will now meet the winners of the second semi-finals between Salgaocar Football Club and Sporting Clube de Goa.
