MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club won the Goa Football Association's President's League after defeating Sesa FA 2-1 at Duler stadium, Mapusa on Sunday. Dempo led 2-0 at half time. This is the Golden Eagle's 16th title in the State league. They last won the trophy in 2011.
Dempo enjoyed better ball possession and created more chances. In the 4th minute, defender Klusner Pereira from the left flank unleashed a snap shot that dipped into the net past Sesa Football Academy goalkeeper Ronal Gaunkar to put his team in front.
Earlier Sesa Football Academy striker Kunal Salgaocar was unlucky as his shot kissed the crossbar much to the dismay of Sesa Football Academy supporters. Dempo Sports Club scored the insurance goal in the 41st minute when Vieri Colaco snatched the ball from rival defenders and essayed a fine pass to Aman Govekar, who made no mistake in punishing the rival goalkeeper with a clinical finish.
Crossing over, Sesa Football Academy were dominant and made inroads into the rival territory but their forwards fumbled at crucial moments. At the other end, Dempo did not lag behind and substitute Necio Fernandes' shot hit the horizontal bar.
Thereafter, striker Pedro Gonsalves raced towards the rivals' penalty box and his fierce shot ricocheted off the crossbar and went out. Sesa Football Academy scored a consolation goal in the injury time (90+5') when Mahamned Faheez beat the rival goalkeeper with a rasping drive.
Dempo thus wrapped up the title with four rounds to spare with 33 points from 16 matches. Sesa Football Academy stay on 29 points from 16 matches.
Delighted after securing the title, Dempo SC coach Samir Naik said, “It is of course a great feeling to win the title. I’m happy that we represent Dempo. I’m so happy for the guys, for Alex. I’m so happy for the President, the staff.
"We do a very good job and I hope to continue like this. Congratulations to all the fans, the supporters of Dempo and it is an amazing feeling to win the title."
Meanwhile, Dempo SC president Shrinivas Dempo was overjoyed with the club's latest success. "I am very happy and proud that Dempo SC has won the Goa Pro League after some years. This is all due to the efforts of our players, support staff and specially our chief coach Samir Naik. It's satisfying that we had six players from our academy in the team this season," Dempo said.
