MARGAO
Five times champion Dempo Sports Club secured a crucial 1-0 over Sporting Club Bengalaru in the I league 2 match held, at Ella Ground, Old Goa, on Thursday.
Substitute midfielder Laximanrao Rane's second half goal made the difference giving the Golden Eagles their first three points in the championship.
Both teams entered their third match without having scored a goal in their previous match.
Dempo missed several golden opportunities to score in front of their fans. Sporting Club Bengalaru goalkeeper Christu Ranjan came up with some crucial saves to deny scoring efforts made by Vasim Inamdar, Seigoumang Doungle, Necio Fernandes and Mohammed Ali.
Dempo's Doungle hit the crossbar from outside the box almost scoring their opening goal but it was Laximanrao Rane who finally succeeded in the 80th minute with superb shot after picking up the ball from the centre. Earlier, Bengaluru' s Sayyad Umair failed to beat the Dempo goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes after Trabin Tigga's cross in the box
The first half saw Dempo dominating possession with nimble footwork and quick passing that troubled SC Bengaluru. A well-placed shot from Vasim Inamdar tested the Bengaluru goalkeeper who made a crucial save.
As the first half progressed, Dempo maintained impressive possession and solid ball recovery, while Bengaluru struggled to breach their defense. The half-time whistle blew with Dempo holding a goalless draw.
The second half witnessed a tactical shift made by the home side who pressed forward in search of the match-winner. The deadlock was broken in the 80th minute when Laximan Rao Rane scored a stunning goal for Dempo SC with a powerful strike from outside the central zone. However, Dempo SC showcased resilience, making relentless attempts on goal. In the 86th minute, Bengaluru frustrated the oppposition with their attacks but Mohamed Ali stood like a rock to guard the slender lead for Dempo. Necio Fernandes misfired from close range while the Golden Eagles were unlucky to double the lead when Doungel hit the cross bar.
Dempo head coach Samir Naik expressed his happiness after the win. “I am happy with the win and the result, we controlled the match and performance and we were better than Bengaluru at home."
Naik continued: “We secured 3 important points and played effectively against an excellent team. All our players were fully prepared and I am very happy for the club fans on the occasion of this victory. Everyone is looking to give their best. We are now in a good moment and we must take advantage of this in the next matches.”
“This is one of the best matches the team has played as a coach,” Naik concluded.
