MARGAO
Five-time I-League champions Dempo Sports Club secured a crucial 1-0 victory over United Sports Club Kolkata in the I-League 2 match at Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday.
The win propelled the Golden Eagles back into contention for qualification in the I-League. With this victory, Dempo climbed to 10 points from six matches into fourth spot, while United Sports Club remained in sixth place with seven points from as many outings.
The momentum swung in Dempo's favour early on, with the team piling pressure on their Kolkata opponents in the first half. The coaching staff's emphasis on a strong start was evident, and Dempo executed it perfectly. The decisive goal came in the 5th minute, with attacking midfielder Necio Fernandes releasing Shubham Rawat, who clinically beat the rival goalkeeper.
Although Dempo sought an insurance goal, they couldn't find the net again despite their efforts. United Sports Club, who posed threats in the first half, failed to capitalize. Meanwhile, Sahil sent a shot wide much to the disappointment of the home crowd.
The second half saw a more competitive display from the Kolkata side as they exerted control on the game. However, Dempo remained resilient, maintaining a low defensive block and threatening on the counterattack. The midfield became the battleground, with neither team creating significant chances in the final third. Dempo came close to scoring again when Necio Fernandes's header narrowly missed the target from Shubham Rawat's cross. Both teams made substitutions, but they failed to change the course of the game.
Dempo had faced setbacks as they were without captain Mohammed Ali due to suspension, goalkeeper Sangramjit Roy Chowdhury due to injury, and Vinay Harjee sidelined for four weeks due to an injury sustained while playing for Goa in the Santosh Trophy.
'Crucial points'
After the match, Dempo head coach Samir Naik emphasized the significance of his team's 1-0 victory. Naik expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I am very pleased with the team's performance against United Sports Club. We worked hard and achieved the crucial three points today."
The Dempo head coach acknowledged their dominance in the match and the numerous opportunities created. However, Naik noted that in the second half, they struggled to convert their chances into goals due to a lack of confidence and belief. "Nevertheless, we returned with full force and achieved this victory, which was well-deserved,” Naik said.
