PANAJI
Clube de Salgaocar SC continued their impressive run in the Goa Professional League with a composed 2-0 victory over Dempo Sports Club at the Dempo Academy Ground, Ella on Tuesday.
Goals from Isac Zomuanpuia and Royal Oliveira sealed the three points in a match that saw Dempo struggle to convert their early dominance into goals.
Dempo began the game on the front foot, dictating possession and creating several openings in the first 20 minutes. Mevan Dias came closest to scoring in the 31st minute unleashing a long-range effort that whistled past the post by mere inches, much to the frustration of the home side.
Despite Dempo’s promising start it was Clube de Salgaocar who drew first blood in the 43rd minute. A well-worked move near the corner flag saw Thokchom Singh play a neat pass to Isac Zomuanpuia, who calmly slotted the ball past the Dempo keeper to give the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The second half saw Salgaocar continue their disciplined approach while keeping the hosts under constant pressure. In the 49th minute, Thokchom’s corner delivery caused panic in the Dempo box with Reezvon Fernandes and Selwyn Miranda both getting touches before the ball rolled inches wide of the post.
As the match grew tense, physical battles intensified. Dempo’s Salvador Gama was booked for a late tackle on Rahul Rodrigues in the 60th minute, followed by yellow cards for Asmon Viegas and Salgeo Dias after heavy challenges on Prathesh Shirodkar and Saresh Halarnkar respectively.
Salgaocar doubled their advantage in the 70th minute following a lapse in Dempo’s defense. Royal Oliveira combined neatly with Isac before taking a shot that initially seemed routine for the goalkeeper. However a rare fumble saw the ball slip through his grasp and roll into the net, extending Salgaocar’s lead to 2-0.
Dempo pushed forward in the final stages, but the Salgaocar backline held firm, absorbing pressure with composure. The referee’s final whistle confirmed a 2–0 win for Clube de Salgaocar.
