PANAJI
Dempo SC crowned as the GFA Charity Match 2026-27 champions, the trophy on penalties after a contest that had everything, an early goal, a second-half leveller, missed chances at both ends and a shootout that tested nerves before Dempo held firm to win 1 (5) (3) 1 from the spot.
Dempo drew first blood in the 22nd minute through a moment of quality. Stenis delivered a well-weighted cross into the gap and Murphy Fernandes was perfectly placed to tap home giving the goalkeeper no chance. It was a goal that reflected Dempo's early dominance and they nearly doubled their advantage three minutes later when Swavel Furtado met a long shot only to see his effort clip the outside of the post stay out.
Sporting refused to be beaten, carrying the ball deep into added time before the interval, Ashnoy found Sanson Pereira in space and the midfielder produced a beautiful strike that gave Deep in the Dempo goal no chance. One-all at the break.
The second half saw Sporting come out with greater urgency and Sanson Pereira again threatened, driving straight through on goal before being denied by a perfectly timed block from Jordic Abranches, one of the defensive interventions of the match. Dempo's Swavel Furtado spurned another opportunity midway through the second half, his effort rattling the crossbar when a goal looked certain. Neither side could find the winner in normal time and the contest went to penalties.
In the shootout, Dempo were the more composed side. Goalkeeper Jacob produced the stops when it mattered and Dempo converted their kicks with the authority of a side that had been here before, winning 1 (5) (3) 1 to claim the cup.
The trophy was presented by GFA President Dr Caitano Fernandes and Vice President Mr Antonio Pango in the presence of GFA Executive Committee members, bringing a memorable afternoon of football at Raia Ground to a fitting close.
