the goan I network
PANAJI
Salgaocar FC scored an entertaining 3-3 draw against Dempo Sports Club to book their place in the semi-finals of the AWES Cup, organised by Association for the Wellbeing of Elder Sportspersons (AWES) in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Tuesday.
Salgaocar finished their group engagements with five points that are enough for them to qualify. Dempo (four points from 2 matches) and FC Pune City (0 points from 1 game) will be the two teams battling for the other semi-final place from
this group.
Salgaocar were deserving of a draw that took them to the semi-finals. The young side made a great start as they surged ahead in the fourth minute through Ronaldo Oliveira but Dempo struck back with a goal from defender Olan Chandran in the 32nd minute. Dempo took the lead for the first time in the game in the 42nd minute through Beevan D’Mello but Salgaocar FC equalised in the first minute of the second session through a wonderful long-ranger from captain Mackroy Peixoto.
Dempo coach Samir Naik brought in Josley Dias to sharpen them in attack and the striker won them a penalty just a few minutes after he took the field after he was brought down inside the box.
Naveen Mendes stepped up and converted the penalty to give Dempo a 3-2 lead just after the hour mark but Salgaocar were back in the game with eight minutes left to be played as Ronaldo scored his second goal of the match to tie the match 3-3. Ronaldo’s late goal was a result of some sustained pressure from Salgaocar forwards who went close on several occasions before finally getting the deserving equaliser.
The match was a tale of two halves. If Dempo were impressive in the first session and called the shots, Salgaocar were equally good in the second session.
PLAYING TODAY
Gokulam Kerala FC vs Sporting Clube de Goa, Tilak Maidan, Vasco, 4 pm
