Dempo SC players pose after their title win at Tilak Maidan.
Photo Credits: The Goan
MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club defended their title as champions of the Goa Professional League after winning a nail-biting encounter against FC Goa at Tilak Maidan, Vasco on Friday.
Despite a frustrating 90 minutes, Dempo secured a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a penalty converted by substitute Pedro Gonsalves in the 88th minute.
Dempo had created ample chances throughout the game but had missed equally, making it look like they were going to miss out on the top spot. However, they were handed a lifeline in the dying minutes when they were awarded a penalty after a foul in the danger area. Gonsalves stepped up and coolly converted the spot kick to secure victory for his team, sending the Golden Eagles camp into celebration mode.
The win ensured that Dempo finished at the top of the table, ahead of Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa, who were on the verge of securing victories in their respective matches. A draw would have seen Dempo finish third on the table, but they made it all count in the final two minutes of the game to clinch the title.
GFA President Dr Caitano Fernandes congratulated Dempo SC for defending their title. “They had an amazing season and the title reflects their journey. Congratulations to their club president Shrinivas Dempo and coach Samir Naik and the entire team. We would like to wish them good luck in their Second Division League campaign now.”
Meanwhile, at Duler Stadium, Sporting Clube de Goa comfortably defeated Churchill Brothers FC Goa 3-0 with Lloyd Cardozo scoring a brace and Rohan Rodrigues adding the third.
At Ella ground, Salgaocar FC cruised past Calangute Association 3-1 with Umang Gaikwad, Mark Carvalho, and Saurabh Patil finding the back of the net for the Greens. Former Greens and Calangute Association skipper Saeesh Halarnkar was the lone goal scorer for Calangute Association.
“The win is a big boost for our confidence ahead of the Secon Division I-League campaign. We will go with a positive mindset and hope to gain as much as we can out of it, whether in terms of points or learnings and experience,” Dempo head coach Samir Naik said after the title win.
"Our teamwork and spirit is wonderful. As a team, the league has been a great learning experience and for the young players to participate in such a high-level tournament has given them excellent exposure and experience. Now, our ultimate goal is to win the Second Division I-League title and qualify for the I-League."
