MARGAO
Geno FC edge past Dempo Sports Club 2-1 in the GFA Professional League, at SAG Trinity ground, Benaulim, on Tuesday.
In a match filled with twists and turns, from the beginning, both teams battled fiercely with each aiming to control the game and impose their strategy.
As the first half progressed, Dempo continued to dominate the game and creating numerous chances.
Geno FC demonstrated excellent ball control and maintained possession through the first half. Their perseverance paid off in the first half when Abelson Jachi punished the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot in the 19th minute. Stung by early reversal, Dempo forwards tried their best to come into the game but their forwards shot wide from close range.
At the other end, the Geno FC forwards tested Dempo's defensive resilience but it deftly flipped the ball over the post.
Geno FC striker exploited gaps in Dempo defense to increase the tally with a clinical finish. With the momentum firmly in their favor, Dempo continued to push forward and their forwards shot wide much to the dismay of the Dempo supporters.
Crossing over, Dempo kept finding their chances especially on the counter. Aaron Baretto had opportunity to score but wasted the chance from handshaking distance. Geno FC doubled the lead in the 70th minute when captain Lenstan Afonso found the roof of the net.
In the final moments of the game, substitute Meuton Fernandes secured a reducer in the 84th minute.
Pax of Nagoa delivered a statement performance at the Utorda ground, thrashing Young Boys of Tonca SC to seize the top spot. Ronaldo Oliveira's 17th-minute opener set the tone for a one-sided affair, before Shubert Pereira stole the show with a sensational four-goal haul (27', 31', 48', 81').
Sidney Gauncar capitalized on a goalkeeping deflection to make it 4-0 in the 51st minute, while Velroy Borges added further gloss to the scoreline with a late strike in the 88th minute.
The resounding victory sees Pax of Nagoa surge to the summit with 38 points from 21 games, though their grip remains tenuous, with Dempo SC and Cortalim hot on their heels with 37 points each.
