Golden Eagles ascent to I-League

MARGAO

Five-times champion Dempo Sports Club sealed a berth in the I-League with an authoritative 3-1 victory over Sudeva Delhi FC in the I League 2, at Dempo Sports Club Academy ground, Ella Old Goa on Saturday.

Dempo were trailing 0-1 at half time

Needing only a point to confirm their place in the League heading into this game, the Golden Eagles signalled their intent by pouring forward from the get-go in front of a partisan crowd. Sudeva Delhi FC threatened to spoil the Dempo party by striking in the 24th minute through none other then star striker Ramesh Chettri just managed to head it in from close range after a fine cross from Sinam Singh from the left.

To their credit, Dempo refused to give up as Rahul Kumar Paswan had fluffed his lines from close range in the 30th minute. Sudeva Delhi FC had a golden chance to increase their tally when striker Seiminmang Manchong's rasping shot miss the mark narrowly. Again, Manchong raced towards the penalty area was averted by Dempo goalkeeper Sangramjit Roy Chowdhury.

As the game unfolded, Dempo stifled any attempts from Sudeva Delhi FC to pose a significant threat, firmly establishing their control over proceedings. Sudeva Delhi FC spurn the easiest of chances when Ramesh Chettri failed to beat the rival goalkeeper.

Goals poured in from various contributors throughout the match, underscoring Dempo 's collective strength and precise execution. Dempo did not let their heads drop after change of ends and were back on level in the 47th minute when substitute midfielder Laxminrao Rane swung in and smash into the roof of net.

The Golden Eagles however, were not to be denied in the 58th minute of the second half when Rahul Kumar Paswan converted the spot kick to send the rival goalkeeper Ashish Sibi in the wrong way after rival defender handled the ball inside the penalty box.

The thrill of the goal and the victory added to Dempo fans delight as the players soon joined in the celebrations.

But Dempo were not done yet and their goal advantage when striker Shubham Rawat long throws finally reaped dividends as his bullet delivery beat the Sudeva Delhi FC goalkeeper in the 68th minute.

With this win, Dempo finished with 27 points while Sudeva Delhi FC stay with 23 points

With each goal celebrated and each tackle applauded, the bond between the team and their fans grows stronger, forging an unbreakable connection that transcends the boundaries of the sport.

QUOTE ROOM

"We are happy and proud that Dempo are back in the I-league. We have qualified entirely on merit, after a grueling campaign. All credit to our Coach Samir, the players and the support staff. I hope that Dempo's promotion to the I-League will give a much needed boost to football in Goa,"

--Shrinivas Dempo, Dempo SC owner

"Excellent news. Dempo SC is back to where they belong. Their promotion to I-League means more hope and opportunities for aspiring Goan footballers. Hearty congratulations to Dempo SC"--Lector Mascarenhas, former India midfielder

"It will be great step forward and we need Dempo playing at a top level to be a role model club in the country and have legion of supporters across the country,"

--Mahesh Gawli, Indian football assistant coach

"Great for Goan football to have Dempo back in the I-League, more opportunities for players to showcase their talent at the national level. Congratulations to all at Team Dempo,"

--Derrick Pereira, former India defender