Sporting Clube emerge I-League 3 Play-Off champions despite loss to Kerala United FC
The Sporting Clube de Goa team along with the team management and officials after receiving the trophy, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Saturday.
MARGAO
Former five times champions Dempo Sports Club eased past Keinou Library Sports Association (KLASA FC) Manipur with a 4-0 to secure a place in the I-League second division in the concluding clash of I-League 3 Play-Offs, at Nagoa Panchayat Sports Complex, on Saturday.
The Golden Eagles led 2-0 at the breather. The two teams seeking much needed momentum commenced the proceedings a day before new year to celebrate the festive season.
The referee made a mockery of the law when rival defender handled the ball from Dempo's striker Vasim Inamdar inside the penalty area and the referee pointed to the dreaded spot. Before showing the penalty shot was taken, he ran towards the assistant referee and discuss the issue. The referee ran against the spot but utter to the suprise he turned his own ruling and proceeded with the game. Dempo took the lead through midfielder Sanwil D'Costa who hooked the ball into the net after the Manipur goalkeeper's faulty collection which saw the ball enter the roof of the net in the 37th minute.
The pace of the match was relentless, featuring end-to-end football with Dempo augmenting their lead. In the 45 plus one minute, striker Vasim Inamdar played in a scything cross to winger Seigoumang Doungle who with an impeccable first touch, conjured a shot destined for the back of the net leaving the KLASA goalkeeper rooted to his spot.
Crossing over, Dempo tried hard as they picked up more pace but rival goalkeeper made some good saves to deny the rivals In the 82nd minute, Necio Maristo Fernandes was brought down by rival defender. Necio himself sent the rival goalkeeper in the wrong way.
Dempo made it 4-0 in the 90 plus third minute after Sampam Kennedy Singh tried to thwart the danger but sadly put the ball into his own net off Vasim Inamdar's snap shot.
Dempo head coach Samir Naik stressed the importance of his side’s 4-0 victory.
“I am very happy with the victory and the three points. It was one of the best matches in the league, according to my opinion,” Samir said. “On the offensive side, we were much better and could have scored more goals. We were not good, but this win gives us confidence to do better in the future.”
Speaking on the refereeing decisions, Naik said, “I do not always talk about refereeing, but everyone saw what happened today.”
A jubilant Naik was of full praise for his players for hard work throughout the season and he thanked the fans for sticking with the team for many difficult years. “I want to thank our fans who supported us throughout the season," he said.
“We had an excellent season irrespective of our victory in the final. It was sheer teamwork of all people associated with Dempo. We will now focus on doing better in the next season and it would require a great deal of hard work,” he added. "I thank my boss Srinivas Dempo for his encouragement and motivation today. He talk to the players on video conference and urged them to give their best," he said.
Sporting Clube de Goa emerged champions of the I-League 3 Play Offs despite losing to Kerala United FC 1-2. Umer Muhthar opened the scoreline in the eight minute. Marcus Mascarnehas equalised in the 26th minute. Shibin Saad scored the match winner in the 73rd minute.
