MARGAO: Dempo SC produced a dominant display of attacking football to defeat Sesa Football Academy 2-0 and emerge champions of the GFA Under-18 League at Ella Ground, Old Goa, on Monday.
Dempo controlled the game from the outset with disciplined defending, intelligent midfield play and fluid attacking movements that delighted spectators throughout the contest.
Captain Jodric Abranches starred for Dempo, scoring both goals in the opening half. He opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a scorching 25-yard free-kick from the left flank that curled into the far corner of the net.
Abranches doubled the lead in the 16th minute after a well-worked set-piece move. Playmaker Phati Mayekar delivered a corner which was flicked on by Tejas Kamat before Abranches calmly slotted the ball home.
Dempo continued to dominate after the break and created six clear goal-scoring opportunities, but failed to add to their tally.
“This has been an excellent season for Dempo SC’s youth development programme as we won three titles — the U-20 Monsoon Cup, U-20 GFA League and now the U-18 GFA League,” said Dempo Colts head coach Pradip Chopdekar.
“The players showed excellent character throughout the season. They stayed focused, hungry for success and understood their roles and responsibilities in attack and defence. I am happy with the maturity they showed, especially in pressure situations where they remained calm and composed,” he said.
