Dempo SC pip FC Goa in AWES Cup opener

Striker Beevan D’Mello’s goal made the difference in the game.

Dempo Sports Club kicked off their new season with a win as they edged past FC Goa 1-0 in the first match of the AWES CUP 2018 played at Tilak Maidan, earlier today.

Dempo coach Samir Naik fielded their newly-signed defender Jessel Carneiro, while, Suraj Hadkonkar and Vineet Bugde, who always started from the bench last season, also started for the Golden Eagles. Whereas, Kapil Hoble and Nestor Dias who were Dempo’s regular starterS last season, featured in Clifford Miranda’s starting XI. Imran Khan and Lalhmangaisanga were two more new faces in the Gaurs' lineup.

The first half was equally fought by both teams, but Dempo were the first to create a potent attack in the 9th minute, when Beevan D’Mello easily cut past a defender and unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box but, it went inches wide of the post. A few minutes later, they had another chance to take the lead, but this time Goan keeper Shubham Das came off his line to clear Jessel’s fine cross to Desmon Pereira.

At the other end, the Gaurs took 20 minutes to create their first chance of the match, as Lalawmpuia found Kapil in a commanding position in the box, but the midfielder shot wide from close range. Just before the halftime whistle, Kapil had another chance to correct his mistake from the last opportunity, but this time also the midfielder failed to keep his shot on target from point-blank range.

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The junior Gaurs came out attacking in the second half, as they continuously marched on the opposition's goal, but strong defending from Dempo kept them at  bay. Dempo had two great opportunities in the 51st and 53rd minute, but first Vineet’s header off Suraj’s cross went just over the crossbar. Whereas, Jessel set up Latesh Mandrekar in the box with a superb lobbed pass, but the striker shot wide.

The Gaurs almost opened their tally on the hour mark, when their speedy winger Imran almost cut past three defenders and dangerously moved in, but Dempo keeper Agnelo Gomes blocked him on time.

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Another of their opportunities went in vain in the 79th minute, when Kapil tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his sparkling shot was nicely fisted over the crossbar by the Dempo custodian.

Dempo finally broke the deadlock with just eight minutes of regulation time to go, when substitute Yogesh Kadam setup Jessel on the wing, who produced a low cross to Beevan in the box. The forward's curling shot gave no chance to Goan keeper Shubham and finished in the net, giving all three points to the Golden Eagles.