GFA Charity Match winners Dempo SC.
Photo Credits: The Goan
MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club scored a comfortable 3-0 win over Sporting Clube de Goa in the season-opening Charity Match organised by Goa Football Association at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday.
Aaron Bareto, Saiesh Bagkar and Pratik Naik were the three goal scorers for the winners.
The youthful contingent fielded by Dempo demonstrated their mettle from the get-go, leaving Sporting Clube grappling to keep up with their unrelenting pace. Despite an initial display of nervous play from both sides, the momentum soon swung in favour of Dempo. The breakthrough moment transpired in stunning fashion as Aaron Barreto, in his debut appearance for the Golden Eagles, uncorked an astonishing 40-yard missile that left the Sporting Clube keeper helpless, 1-0.
Having seized control of the proceedings, Dempo continued to press forward. Vieri Colaco demonstrated his prowess in front of the net, launching an attempt that was thwarted by Sporting Clube de Goa's vigilant goalkeeper. Moments later, Bhaskar Jalmi, the custodian of Sporting Clube, saved Laximanrao Rane's close-range effort.
Dempo maintained their attacking intensity in their quest for more goals. Saiesh Bagkar's header narrowly missed the target, but he soon redeemed himself. A well-executed long ball from Dempo found its mark, setting up Faseen who, in turn, deftly delivered it into Saiesh's path. The latter exhibited composure and precision, slamming the ball past the stranded goalkeeper to double Dempo's lead, 2-0.
The second half witnessed no let-up from Dempo. In the 73rd minute, the team padded their lead, capitalising on a corner kick. Arnold Oliveira's expertly placed delivery found its intended target as Pratik Naik's header found the net, making it 3-0.
The match's climax saw chief guest Chandkhant Shetye, the Bicholim MLA, distribute the match day gate pass collection to deserving beneficiaries — referee Kalidas Dessai, late Joe Colaco (collected by a family member), and Ritinha Pereira, an iconic figure in women's football. The Goa Football Association president Dr Caitano Fernandes and other executive members were present.
Individual awards: Player of the Match - Aaron Barreto, Best Defender - Joel D'Souza, Promising Player of the Match - Pratik Naik, Best Midfielder - Vinay Harji, Best Goalkeeper - Dylan D'Silva.
