Danira Vaz presents the Player of the match award to Dempo's Antonio Da Silva.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PANAJI
Dempo Sports Club edged Sporting Clube de Goa 1-0 in the Goa Professional League at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
Jaison Vaz scored the only goal of the game in the 70th minute, minutes after coming on in the game as a second-half substitute. Dempo leapfrog Salgaocar at the top with 12 points from five games while the Flaming Oranje, who suffered their second defeat of the season in four games and are on six points from four outings.
Dempo started with new signings Antonio Da Silva in goal -- who made a return to the club on loan -- while Beneston Barreto played as a striker. Dempo started aggressively and had a series of attempts throughout the game. The combination of Necio Fernandes and Beneston Barreto was too strong for Sporting as they conceded early shots on goal. First Necio saw his effort being kept out of goal by Sporting keeper Sanij Bugde and then Beneston had his attempt saved by the keeper too.
Dempo had the best chance when Necio managed to break into the Sporting box and dribbled past the defence as well as the keeper but his weak left-footed shot was cleared from the goalmouth by the Sporting defence. Beneston had another opportunity when a pass from the right wing found him at the edge of the box but his effort was saved by the rival keeper. Beneston also missed a one-on-one attempt where Sanij once again made a fine block.
At the other end, Antonio Da Silva made crucial saves to keep his side in the game. The custodian came off the goalline to clear a dangerous cross sent in by Rohan Rodrigues and later thwarted Llyod Cardozo. Dempo finally broke the deadlock in the 70th minute through 69th-minute second-half substitute Jaison, who replaced Beneston. The striker, on receiving a pass on the right, dribbled down the right flank and slammed in a curling shot past the keeper, 1-0.
Sporting came close late in the game which saw Nickson Castanha miss his freekick by inches. Dempo’s Antonio bagged the Man of the match award, which was presented by Danira Vaz.
