PANAJI
By virtue of this result, group leaders SCC Cavelossim and second-placed Churchill Brothers FC qualified for the semi-finals.
In a must win match for Golden Eagles, the North Goa team were stunned in front of thousands of spectators as Vasco SC scored thrice through Princeton Rebello, Rovan Pereira and Jaison Vaz while Naveen pulled one back for Dempo.
Princeton Rebello was back in the side for Vasco as Coach Eban Misquita made just one change replacing Sunny Fernandes with the youngster, while Dempo SC had no change in the squad.
Princeton didn’t take long to make his mark as he gave his team an early lead when Jaison Vaz set the youngster at goal and the former’s right footer crashed into the Dempo nets in the second minute.
Stunned by reverse, the Golden Eagles regrouped quickly and pressed their opponents with quick passes and attacked from the width.
Dempo had the best chance to draw level in the seventh minute, but Joaquim Abranches shot wide from the goal mouth after Nickson Castanha’s free-kick hit the cross bar and fell to the former FC Goa striker.
The North Goa side just couldn’t keep their composure infront of the rival goal.
Hayden Fernandes failed to capitalise on Vasco keeper Prabhakar Kattimani’s miss pass which fell in his path, but the former AIFF academy player fumbled when it mattered most.
In the 21st minute, Vasco’s Sherwin went into referee’s books for a rough tackle on Hayden. The youngster himself took the resultant free-kick from outside the box, which deflected off the wall.
The Port Towners doubled the lead just before the break when Lalbabu Matho’s aerial ball was met by Rovan Pereira, who scored past helpless Dempo keeper Tyson Caido, 2-0.
Dempo missed two chances before the half time whistle, as first Hayden’s shot hit the cross bar and minutes later, Abranches saw his effort brilliantly saved by Vasco keeper Kattimani.
Dempo started the second half on an attacking note and it didn’t take long for the Golden Eagles to pull a goal back.
Naveen scored with a neat placement after being fed by Beevan D’Mello from the left flank. The goal enlightened the Dempo camp as they dominated the proceedings. Nickson Castanha saw his long range effort miss the target by inches.
Dempo coach introduced Kapil Hoble replacing Beevan, who failed to make any impact in the team besides his earlier assist.
The North Goa side conceded the third goal in the 47th minute when Vasco’s Jaison scored off Sherwin’s assist against the run of play.
It wasn’t Dempo’s day as the North Goa team just couldn’t get their acts right in front of the rival goal.
Dempo were awarded a penalty in the second half added time when Kapil Hoble was tripped by Vasco’s Jovan. Skipper Nickson failed to convert from the spot kick. Vasco’s Kattimani bagged the Man-of-the-Match award.
Eban Misquita, coach of Vasco was on top with the Port Town boys emerging winners. “I came into the Goa Sevens Premier League with most of my best boys not playing here. But in this game, I played them in positions they had never played but it worked. I told them to continue the attack and it worked wonders,” said Eban.
Dempo coach Samir Naik was in no mood to comment but he looked visibly upset at the missed opportunities.
