PANAJI
Dempo SC and Cortalim Villagers battled to a goalless draw in the Goa Professional League at Ella Ground on Friday, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the breakthrough.
Dempo came out firing in the first half, dominating possession and pushing forward relentlessly, but Cortalim’s defense held firm under pressure. After the restart, Cortalim nearly snatched the lead when Michael delivered a curling corner, finding Jaison Vaz, whose towering header rattled the crossbar.
Dempo responded with a wave of attacks. Salgeo Dias’ dangerous cross was half-cleared, falling perfectly for Shreyash at the edge of the box, but his first-time strike was heroically blocked. Moments later, Topon Minj whipped in a teasing cross from the left, but Salgeo arrived just a fraction too late to connect.
Tensions flared late in the game, with Murphy picking up a booking for a reckless challenge on Pushkar Prabhu. Cortalim were then reduced to ten men when Leo received his second yellow for a high-boot challenge on Topon. Sensing an opportunity, Dempo piled on the pressure, but the elusive goal never came. At full-time, the scoreboard remained locked at 0-0.
