PANAJI
Geno FC edged past Dempo SC with a 2-1 victory in a thrilling Goa Professional League clash at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Saturday.
Dempo SC struck first in stoppage time of the first half, with Shubham Rawat heading home a Kapil Hoble cross after Nestor Dias saw his efforts cruelly denied by the woodwork. Geno FC hit back early in the second half, as substitute Nigel Fernandes tapped in from close range and later set up Suraj Gurung for the go-ahead goal. Dempo SC had a chance to salvage a point late on when Rawat was fouled in the box, but Sairon Albuquerque failed to convert from the penalty spot.
The game started with Dempo nearly breaking through in the 10th minute when Hoble's header off a Vinay Harji cross clattered against the post. Geno responded five minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up, but Sheldon failed to take advantage as his heavy touch let Dempo off the hook.
Dempo finally broke the deadlock when Hoble whipped in a perfect cross after a chaotic sequence in the box. Nestor Dias’ shot hit both posts before a Geno defender scrambled it clear, only for Hoble to deliver again from the right, allowing Rawat to nod the ball home.
Geno’s response came swiftly in the second half, with substitute Nigel Fernandes immediately making an impact. In the 52nd minute, he pounced on a goalmouth scramble to bring his side level. Minutes later, Gurung had a goal disallowed for offside, but he made no mistake the next time, slotting home from Nigel Fernandes' delivery to give Geno the lead.
Dempo SC had a golden opportunity to equalize when Rawat was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. In the ensuing drama, Geno's Nigel Fernandes was sent off for dissent, reducing them to ten men. However, Dempo failed to capitalize as Albuquerque's spot-kick rattled the woodwork, sealing a frustrating defeat for the Golden Eagles.
Dempo SC had a golden opportunity to equalize when Rawat was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. In the ensuing drama, Geno's Nigel Fernandes was sent off for dissent, reducing them to ten men. However, Dempo failed to capitalize as Albuquerque's spot-kick rattled the woodwork, sealing a frustrating defeat for the Golden Eagles.
