PANAJI
Dempo SC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Geno FC in the Goa Professional League Super League clash at Ella ground on Sunday.
Dempo came out firing and nearly found an early breakthrough when Mohammed Rafi fouled Salgeo Dias in midfield, conceding a free-kick. Jordan Borges delivered a pinpoint ball into the box, where Pratik Naik rose above the Geno defence to connect with a powerful header, only to be denied by the woodwork.
The Golden Eagles continued to press and came close again when Jordan Borges played a short corner to Asmon Viegas, who whipped in a first-time cross. Stenis met it with a well-directed header, but Geno goalkeeper Savio pulled off a stunning save to keep his side in the contest.
Geno struggled to break through Dempo’s disciplined backline, with Sairon Albuquerque standing tall to cut out dangerous through balls and nullify their attacking threats.
The breakthrough finally arrived early in the second half. Asmon Viegas split the Geno defence with a perfectly weighted pass to Salgeo Dias, who controlled it brilliantly, weaved past his marker, and slotted a low shot past the keeper to put Dempo in front.
Geno responded with urgency and thought they had equalized when Sheldon Pereira bundled the ball into the net after a scramble with goalkeeper Myrick Hilario, but the referee ruled it out for a foul.
Jachi nearly rescued a point for Geno late in the game with a low drive inside the box, but Hilario produced a sharp save. Suraj Gurung pounced on the rebound and fired from close range, only for Hilario to come up clutch once again, diving to smother the ball and secure Dempo’s narrow win.
Meanwhile, at Duler Stadium, FC Goa cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Goa Police.
The deadlock was broken just before halftime in unfortunate fashion for Goa Police, as Deepak Naik inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
FC Goa capitalised on the momentum in the second half, doubling their advantage in the 69th minute when Malsawmtluanga applied a clinical finish. Asher Rodrigues then put the result beyond doubt, slotting home the third to wrap up a dominant win and secure all three points.
