Dempo SC team
PANAJI
league leaders FC Goa were held by Reliance Foundation Young Champs 1-1 at the Sirsaim Ground as the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024-25 Zonal Group Stage in Goa nears conclusion, the stakes are as high as ever.
The Gaurs’ in-form starlet Jovial Dias had put his side ahead courtesy of a 14th minute penalty kick. But Vanlalchhanchhuaha equalized for the RF Young Champs in the 39th minute as they went on to earn a hard-fought point.
It was a fiercely fought battle between the two teams with three players receiving their marching orders. In the 75th minute, FC Goa were reduced to 10 men with Malswamtluanga receiving a red card while RFYC’s Shallin Nair Melathh also received a second yellow card in the 78th minute as he walked off the pitch. In the dying seconds of the game, RFYC saw another player being sent off as substitute Sinjith AS made his way back to the dressing room in the third minute of added time.
Meanwhile, Dempo SC cruised past Maharashtra Oranje FC by 3-0 to register a convincing victory at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa. Arnold Antonio Oliveira had given the Golden Eagles lead in the 38th minute. In the 65th minute, a sudden turn of events saw both sides reduced to 10 men each with Pratham Ghatnur and Sairon Albuquerque – skippers of both teams, Maharashtra Oranje and Dempo SC respectively being sent off for violent conduct. Velanco Elisson Rodrigues stepped from the bench for the latter to score a second-half brace and give his side a crucial victory.
Elsewhere, Mumbai City FC also picked up a comfortable 2-0 victory against SESA Football Academy at the Duler Stadium. Second half goals from Mohammed Kaif and Mohammed Jaffer Altaf Mansoori ensured the Islanders registered three points.
As it stands, Dempo SC lead the points table with 17 points, closely followed by FC Goa at 16 points, while Mumbai City FC stand third with 11 points to their name. The top three teams from the Zone will qualify for the RFDL National Group Stage.
Brief Scores
RFYC 1 (39’ Vanlalchhanchhuaha) – FC Goa 1 {14’ (P) Jovial Dias}; Maharashtra Oranje FC 0 Dempo SC 3 (38’ Arnold Antonio Oliveira, 66’, 83’ Velanco Elisson Rodrigues); Mumbai City FC 2 (58’ Mohammed Kaif, 64’ Mohammed Jaffer Altaf Mansoori) SESA FA 0
