MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club edged past Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem 1-0 to book a semifinal berth in the 20th Goa Police Cup at the Rosary Church Ground, Navelim, on Saturday.
The match was a closely contested affair, with Dempo creating the early chances but failing to convert. Salgeo Dias missed a couple of scoring opportunities, while Guardian Angel’s Cyril Dias came close with a fine solo effort that was foiled by the Dempo defence.
After the break, both sides pressed hard for the opening goal. Guardian Angel’s Moises D’Sa tried his luck with a powerful strike from inside the box, but the deflected effort sailed just over the crossbar.
As the match appeared to be heading towards full time goalless, Dempo mounted late pressure. Arnold Antonio Oliveira surged down the flank and delivered a cross to Nester Dias at the edge of the box, but the latter failed to capitalise.
The breakthrough finally came in injury time. Once again, Arnold Antonio Oliveira sent in a dangerous cross, which substitute Seigoumang Doungel met with a well-timed header to beat Guardian Angel goalkeeper Oswin Rodrigues and seal the match-winning goal.
For his tireless performance and two crucial assists, Arnold Antonio Oliveira of Dempo Sports Club was adjudged Player of the Match, with the award presented by PI Damodar Naik in the presence of match commissioner Francisco Fernandes.
