MARGAO
Reigning champions Dempo SC secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Vasco SC in the GFA Professional League at SAG Trinity Ground, Benaulim on Sunday. The teams were tied 1-1 at half-time.
It was a cagey start to the match with Dempo having the majority of possession and scoring opportunities for Pedro Gonsalves and Laxmaro Rane. Dempo broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when midfielder Suraj Hadonkar floated a flag kick and Pedro nodded in, giving no chance to Vasco goalkeeper Debasish Ghosal.
At the other end, Vasco's Nigerian striker Odil Felix Chidi tried to breach the rival citadel but defender Brian Faria did not allow him any space to manoeuvre inside the penalty box. Vasco had a couple of scoring chances but their forwards were nullified by the Dempo defenders. Vasco's equalizer came in injury time (45+2') when Chidi beat his marker to slot past Dempo goalkeeper Welyster Fernandes with a clinical finish.
Crossing over, Vasco were dominant and created many openings. The Port Towners though were wasteful with the chances. Sempo scored the match-winner in the 85th minute when substitute Kritikesh Gadekar picked up the ball from Vieri Colaco and beat his marker to fire his shot into the Vasco net.
Vasco had a chance to make a comeback but Chidi was found wanting with his finishing. Dempo had a chance to increase their tally but Prutesh Pednekar could not find the target from inside the rival penalty box. Dempo moved to nine points from four matches while Vasco are yet to open their points tally after three matches.
At Duler, Sporting Clube de Goa beat Sesa FA 1-0. Lloyd Cardozo scored the only goal of the game in the first half. The Flaming Oranje now have six points from three games while Sesa FA are on five points from four matches.
