SEMIS LINE-UP
May 30: Pune FC v Sporting Clube, Duler, 4.15 pm
May 30: Churchill Bros v Dempo SC, Navelim, 4.15 pm
MARGAO
A second half strike by Carry Vaz enabled Snow's Football Academy, Raia to pip Dempo Sports Club 1-0 in the last league match of Bandodkar Gold Cup football tournament at Rosary ground, Navelim on Saturday. Despite the loss, Dempo advanced to the semi-finals after collecting six points to top Group B, while Snow's crashed out of the tournament with a solitary win.
Dempo will now face Group A runners-up Churchill Brothers in an all-Goan semi-final in Navelim on May 30, while Group A toppers Pune FC will face off against Sporting Clube de Goa, who finished second in Group B, on the same day at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
Snow's played a smart game putting the pressure on Dempo citadel. They also added to the pressure with their wing back playing a far more attacking role. Snow's were provided the thrust from the flanks and their midfield never allowed their opponents to function freely in the middle with Dempo hardly able to make any breakthrough.
Snow's strikers Carry and Schubert Pereira troubled the rival defence with a barrage of attacks but Dempo goalkeeper Ozen Silva was outstanding under the bar as he effected three superb saves to keep his slate clean. Snow's nearly broke the deadlock early when Demson Pereira beat his markers but his snap shot was well blocked by goalkeeper Ozen. The Dempo goalkeeper again came to his side's rescue when he blocked Stephen Satardekar's rasping shot.
On the other hand, Dempo who had rested their key players, looked disjointed and hardly made any impact on the rival goal. However, with the introduction of Hayden Fernandes late in the first half, their waistline looked more effective. Dempo made inroads late in the first half and had couple of scoring chances but Latesh Mandrekar muffed two sitters.
Crossing over, Snow's continued to enjoy the better share of exchanges and the lone goal came in the 63rd minute when Saviour Gama sped past the rival defenders on the left flnak and essayed a fine through pass to Carry, who slotted the ball past the Dempo goalkeeper. Dempo had a chance to level the scores but Latesh Mandrekar again missed gilt edged chance.
The Dempo goal had a charmed life when Steve Fernandes' try hit the crossbar off a well measured pass from Carry. At the other end, Dempo nearly fetched the equalizer late in the second half when Joseph D'Souza's goal-bound shot was kept out by Snow's Saviour Gama. Snow's nearly doubled the lead in the dying minutes but Joseph D'Souza was denied Perryson Fernandes.
