Salgaocar FC secure narrow win over Dempo SC in Goa Pro League

Salgaocar scored their goal in the first minute of added-time.

Antush Moniz came off the bench to secure a late victory for Salgaocar FC against Dempo SC in the Goa Pro League clash played at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa, Goa on Tuesday.

Salgaocar coach Levino made two changes to his side that defeated Calangute Association in the last match. Samuel Costa and Umang Gaikwad made the cut for them against Dempo. Meanwhile, Dempo coach Samir Naik made only one change to his side which edged Velsao SCC in their previous encounter. Ariston Costa found his name in the starting XI for the Golden Eagles.

In the first half, both teams tried to maintain possession and relied on counter-attacks. The Greens were the first ones to try a shot on goal in the 17th minute, as Ribhav Sardesai tried his luck from distance. However, Dempo custodian Dylan Da Silva made an easy save to prevent any danger.

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Dempo took five minutes more to come up with their first potent chance of the match. In the 22nd minute. Their left-back Darell Mascarenhas made a swift move on the flank and went for glory from the edge of the box, only to see it miss by a narrow margin. The Golden Eagles then had another chance to surge ahead in the 26th minute. Young winger Sailesh Bagkar darted into the box and made a cut-back to his teammate Aman Govekar. However, Salgaocar defender Stephen Alvares cleared the danger on time.

The Golden Eagles were awarded a free-kick deep on the left flank in the first minute of the second half. Kirtikesh Gadekar chose to shoot directly, but Salgaocar 'keeper Jason D’Mello saved the shot. They then quickly replied with a swift attack from the right, as Ribhav made an excellent through-pass to Daryl Costa in the box, but the forward’s strike missed the target.

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A few minutes later they had another opportunity. This time, Selwyn Miranda sent a long cross to Chaitan Komarpant in the box, but the winger saw his fierce strike brilliantly blocked by Edwin. At the other end, Dempo had the best chance in the 80th minute. Darell easily cut past two opponents to enter the box, but his shot was blocked by Salgaocar defender Akram Yadwad.

When it was looking like the match would end in a goalless draw, Salgaocar’s substitute Antush Moniz secured all three points for his side in the first minute of added-time. After getting a pass from Daryl, the midfielder fired in from an acute angle to make it 1-0 for the Green Brigade.

Dempo were unlucky not to equalize in the dying minutes as a well-taken corner by Necio Fernandes was connected by Shallum Pires. His header, however, hit the woodwork.

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