PANAJI
Dempo SC were left to rue a missed opportunity in the dying moments as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kerala Blasters.
Despite taking the lead early on through a penalty, Dempo failed to capitalise on their chances and were pegged back by a determined Kerala Blasters side.
Dempo started brightly, earning a penalty in the 12th minute after Pungte Lapung was brought down by Thomas Cherian. Sairon Albuquerque stepped up and coolly converted from the spot, putting the Golden Eagles ahead.
Kerala Blasters responded with urgency, launching wave after wave of attack in search of an equalizer. Their efforts paid off late in the first half when Sreekuttan delivered a pinpoint pass to Aritra Das, who smashed the ball into the far post to restore parity.
The second half saw both sides create chances but struggle to find the finishing touch. Laximanrao Rane came close for Dempo, seeing his initial shot rattle the crossbar before his follow-up header was cleared off the line by the Kerala Blasters goalkeeper.
Kerala Blasters continued to press for the winning goal, with Vibin Vidhu directing a header from a free-kick that rebounded off the crossbar. Dempo threatened again in stoppage time. Meven Dias' long-range effort was parried by the Kerala Blasters keeper, and the rebound fell to Sheldon Fernandes. However, in a one-on-one situation, Fernandes squandered the golden chance, firing his shot wide.
Panjim Footballers produced a determined performance to hold FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy at Duler Stadium on Saturday. The result will be seen as a positive for the underdogs, who fought back from an early setback to earn a point against their Indian Super League reserve team.
FC Goa took the lead in the 18th minute through Brison Fernandes, who capitalized on a good cross from Akash Oraow. However, their advantage was short-lived. A minute later, a goalkeeping error by Leewan Castsanha gifted Panjim Footballers an equalizer. Ajay Raj pounced on the loose ball and slotted it home to restore parity.
FC Goa suffered another blow just before halftime when Vellington Fernandes was sent off for a rash tackle. Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, they continued to press for the winning goal in the second half.
The introduction of Zozoa and Lemmet bolstered FC Goa's attack, but the Panjim Footballers' defense stood firm. Tejabahudur Thapa emerged as a hero for the underdogs with a crucial goal-line clearance in the dying moments to deny Zozoa and secure a well-deserved point for Panjim Footballers.
