PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club brushed off an initial first half shock by a determined Calangute Association, beating them 4-2 in GFA’s Goa Professional League, at the Duler stadium, Mapusa, Saturday.
Calangute stunned one of India’s leading clubs Dempo SC leading 1-0 at half time.
With this victory Dempo have moved into the third position with 14 points from eight outings, while Calangute continue to languish second from the bottom with four points.
While Calangute enjoyed the proceedings in the first half the second definitely belonged to Dempo.
Calangute keeper Gerard D’Mello did well under the bar to fist away two good goal bound shots, one from Sahil Tavora and the other from substitute Myron Fernandes who replaced Alesh Sawant.
Then Calangute struck a blow to Dempo in the 41st minute when Craig headed in a good cross from Felix Chidi Odili.
After the breather, Dempo’s midfield which had problem in the first half began functioning.
The Golden Eagles began raiding the Calangute territory and exerting tremendous pressure on goalkeeper Gerard D’Mello.
Within 20 minutes, Dempo pumped in three goals. Dempo used its flanks well, sending in calculated crosses into the centre.
Myron scored in the 50th minute to level the score. Keeper Gerard D’Mello had to answer to Myron’s header from a cross by Nickson Castanha.
Seven minutes later, Joy Ferrao, who scored a brace for his team, put Dempo into the lead after connecting an Uttam Rai neat cross.
Then came Myron’s powerful try but custodian Gerard D’Mello stretched to put the ball away safely for a futile corner kick.
In the 70th minute referee Jose Dias awarded Dempo a penalty after Calangute captain Stanley Coutinho brought down Myron in the box. Vinit Chamling made no mistake with the penalty giving Dempo its third goal.
Calangute refused to give up hope and played valiantly as the clock was ticking away towards full time.
Calangute’s efforts paid dividends when Felix Chidi Odili reduced the margin netting in a goal capitalising on a pass from Jeevan Nalge.
The stands swarming with Calangute fans erupted with joy and hopes of at least earning a point seemed good.
And Calangute missed that opportunity when substitute Amol Salgaonkar could have easily slotted the ball home in a one-to-one situation with only goalkeeper to beat. He slowed down only to be tackled by seasoned Dempo defender Mahesh Gawli.
On the counter, livewire Uttam Rai on the left flank placed the ball at the feet of Joy Ferrao who delivered Dempo’s fourth goal and his second, beating keeper Gerard D’Mello hands down.
Calangute took a close look at Dempo’s goal on a couple of occasions with their fans egging them on. The best being Harshad Naik failing to take the chance with only Dempo’s keeper Bruno Colaco to beat.
