the goan I network
PANAJI
Goan Football Club outplayed Dempo Sports Club 2-0 to win their maiden GFA Goa Professional League title on Monday.
The FC Goa developmental side, who were tied on points at the top with Dempo, needed only a draw in the last league match to secure the title due to a better head-to-head record against the Golden Eagles. The Young Gaurs finished in style with a comfortable win at Dempo Academy ground at Ella-Old Goa. Goan FC finished atop the table with 54 points from 22 outings. Hayden Fernandes and Lalawmpuia scored for the winners in the first session.
Playing at their home ground, Dempo started the match on the front foot and had the first real chance in the eighth minute when U-20 player Floyd found Pedro in the box, but the latter couldn’t keep his composure in front of the goal and shot wide of the target with only the keeper at his mercy.
However, soon, Goan FC took charge of the game and almost took the lead when a Savio Gama free-kick hit the cross bar and then hit a surprised Dempo keeper Tyson Caiado before going for a corner. Tyson then came up with a brilliant save to deny Savio Gama, who headed in a corner kick.
Goan FC took control of the game and once again came close to scoring but Lalawmpuia’s long-range effort hit the cross bar. Dempo were on the back foot as their defence started to fumble. Goan FC’s Kingslee played Serineo on goal but Dempo keeper Tyson made yet another save to keep his team in the game. At the other end, Dempo had a rare opportunity when Abranches pounced on Goan FC player Meldon Silva’s poor pass and sent a powerful shot at goal which was saved by the Goan FC keeper.
Goan FC took the lead in the 23rd minute when Hayden took a 30-yard shot which had no answer from the keeper. Dempo SC needed a win to the title, but Goan FC were all prepared to fight for the three points. In the 38th minute, Goan FC doubled the account to make the issue safe when Dempo’s last defender Edwin gave a wrong pass to Goan FC’s Liston, who played it across to Lalawmpuia for the team’s second goal.
In the second half, Dempo SC started brightly and came close to scoring when Floyd tried his luck from the box, but the rival keeper
saved it.
In the 59th minute, Goan FC were reduced to 10 men when Saviour Gama was sent off for a reckless takle on Kritikesh. However, despite being a man down, Goan FC managed to hold on to the scoreline and also record a clean sheet with a 2-0 win.
