PANAJI
Two goals either side of half-time saw the Gaurs lose their first game of the competition. For Dempo, defender Mathew Gonsalves opened the scoring and midfielder Latesh Mandrekar doubled the lead before the break. Mario Mascarenhas and striker Beevan D'Mello made it 4-0 before full-time.
The Gaurs started the game positively as they held on to the ball and played with purpose. Dempo SC were content playing on the counter attack but were not able to break down the Gaurs' defence. They did however, finally break the deadlock two minutes after the half hour mark. After some good work down the right wing, a cross found its way to defender Mathew who promptly tapped home to send his side into the lead.
A mistake from Brian Faria moments later allowed Dempo to double their lead. After a missed kick, midfielder Latesh stole the ball and put it past Iprotip Das in goal easily. The Gaurs attempted to get back into the game and constantly poured forward but unfortunately weren't able to find a way back into the game before the referee called a halt to proceedings.
FC Goa brought on Jason Barbosa and Lalnunsiama for Vincy Barretto and Brian Faria respectively at the start of the second period to give the team some further attacking impetus. However, they were set further behind a few minutes after the restart after Mario meets a good cross from the right wing and heads it towards goal. The ball went straight to Iprotip Das but the keeper was unable to keep the ball out and fumbled it over the line to hand the home side a massive advantage.
Sweden Fernandes was brought on for defender Sarineo Fernandes in the final change for the Gaurs. But it was the home side that breached the Gaurs' defence for the fourth time as striker Beevan jumped highest to glance the ball past the goalkeeper from a corner. With time running out quickly, the Gaurs were unable to find a consolidation goal as the referee blew for full time.
