PANAJI
Brian Faria’s late strike in the first half proved to be the only difference as Dempo SC beat FC Goa Developmental Team 1-0 in the 2nd Division League 2022-23 at the Dempo Academy Ground, Ella on Wednesday.
Faria, a Goa Pro League winner with the Gaurs in 2018/19, netted against his former club in the first minute of injury time. A searching ball into the box by Kritikesh Gadekar was met by the 26-year-old, who guided it past FC Goa Dev Team goalkeeper Hansel Coelho with a neat header.
Earlier in the day, the Boys in Orange started the match with as many as nine changes in the lineup from their recent Goa Professional League clash against Churchill Brothers. Only Manushawn Fernandes in defence and forward Jordan Borges retained their positions in the playing XI from the clash that happened just three days ago. Despite this, the side led by Assistant Coach Sugitesh Mandrekar dominated throughout the game, seeing more of the ball and creating more chances than their opponents.
Brian Faria’s goal happened against the run of play, but despite the setback, the young Gaurs continued to issue a constant threat to the Dempo defence throughout the second half as well. In the dying minutes of the match, FC Goa looked to throw the kitchen sink at Dempo in search of an equalizer, as Mandrekar brought on Anthony Fernandes, Vasim Inamdar, Jovial Dias and Reezvon Fernandes. Their efforts, however, went in vain and resulted in the Boys in Orange starting their league campaign with a defeat.
