MARGAO
Promising midfielder Kapil Hoble slammed a brace as five time champion Dempo Sports Club carved out a resounding 4-0 win over Kenkre FC, in the I League 2, at COE ground, Khargar, Mumbai, on Monday.
Sporting Club Bengaluru qualified for the I-League with a narrow 1-0 win over Sudeva Delhi FC.
Kapil Hoble struck twice in 12th and 81st minute whereas attacking midfielder Necio Maristo Fernandes (33rd minute penalty) and substitute midfielder Desmond Pereira [90+5] were the other scorer for the Golden Eagles.
The early goal set the tone for Dempo's dominance with Necio Fernandes, Rahul Kumar and Seigoumang Doungle being relentless in attack. Kapil Hoble opened the scoring when his well executed flag kick dipped into the Kenkre goal in the 12t minute leaving the Mumbai goalkeeper Harsh Patil dazed. In the 33rd minute, Kapil Hoble's snap shot was handled by rival defender inside the penalty area and referee Rohan Das Gupta without hesitation showed the dreaded spot and the resultant spot kick was taken by Necio Fernandes who sent the keeper in the wrong way.
At the other end, Kenkre FC had few attempts but their efforts was nullified by Dempo rearguard.
Crossing over, Dempo continued to pound their rivals with Necio and Kapil never allowing their opponents to manoeuvere inside their territory.
Things were never been promising for Kenkre FC as they lacked depth in the squad and never in the game. Dempo continued to pound their rivals as Kapil Hoble secured his brace after a well coordinated set up off flag kick taken by Rahul Kumar Paswan in the 81st minute.
Dempo lost their sharpness and focus after scoring their third but Kenkra FC still looked clueless and continued to struggle for ball possesion. Kenkre FC's Pawan V Pattem was ejected by referee for a vicious tackle on Dempo forward Rahul Kumar Paswan.
Kenkre FC's fortunes were further dented in the injury time when substitute midfielder Desmon Pereira made no mistake to slot the ball into the net off a cross from Saiesh Bagkar. Bengaluru United, Dempo, Sporting Clube de Goa, Sudeva Delhi FC are in the contention for a place in I-League.
Dempo head coach Samir Naik expressed his happiness after winning the the match.
Speaking after the match, Naik said, “Our players played a good match and showed a great level, and I am proud of that. The match was an excellent final in all the details. Today, Dempo won a well-deserved title after a good performance I hope this will be a motivation for the rest of the season’s tournaments.”
“I was confident in the capabilities of my team, their high spirit and their desire to win," the coach said.
“This is not strange to Dempo, as the club is used to winning trophies. Winning the today match will push us to continue playing well and to add more victories ”
"We came here to play and gain valuable experience and I am delighted with the effort that they boys gave today while learning to cope under pressure and playing out of positions," he concluded.
