GPL 2019-20: Dempo, Salgaocar split points after stalemate

Second half goals from Suraj Hadkonkar and Niraj Parekh were on the scoresheet for the Golden Eagles.

Dempo Sports Club came from behind to steal a point from Salgaocar FC after a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Goa Professional League match played at Village Panchayat Ground, Nagoa, on Tuesday. Chaitan Komarpant (10’) and Devendra Murgaonkar (48’) scored for Salgaocar FC while Suraj Hadkonkar (49’) and Niraj Parekh (54’) were on the scoresheet for the Golden Eagles. Salgaocar FC took an early lead through Chaitan Komarpant. The deadly left winger was played on by Saeesh who on controlling the ball took the aim at goal which hit the post and entered the goal. Salgaocar FC had a chance to double the tally just before the breather when Devendra who was fed by a long ball from midfield. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Devendra managed to get past Fulganco Cardozo and laid a pass to Chaitan Komarpant on the left flank and the player with only the keeper at his mercy, shot well in the bottom right corner but it was brilliantly saved by Dempo SC custodian Luis Barreto. Crossing over, Dempo Sports Club had no one but themselves to be blamed as they gifted a goal to Salgaocar. Dempo SC’s Fulganco Cardozo played a back pass to Shallum which was intercepted by Devendra who was straight at goal and the lad slammed at the roof of the net to make it 2-0. However, Dempo Sports Club came with an instant reply pulling a goal back when Suraj’s 40 yard freekick bounced infront of the goal and entered the net. Salgaocar keeper looked stunned as it seemed as the custodian keeper misjudged the ball. Once conceding the goal, Salgaocar FC looked nervous and found themselves on the back foot. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="RELATED NEWS | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Dempo SC didn’t take long before they restored parity as Niraj headed home to bring joy to the Golden Eagles supporters. Shallum Pires whipped in a cross from the right flank and the left winger Niraj made a run in the catching the Salgaocar defender off guard and flicked the ball with his head over the keeper, who was out of the line. There was a moment of nervousness at the back for Dempo when Fulganco failed to clear a Stephen’s cross from the right and the ball almost fell to Devendra but Shallum Pires made a timely clearance before the Salgaocar striker could tap in. With time running out, Dempo SC Suraj tried his luck with a well taken long range shot which was cleverly dealt by Salgaocar keeper and pushed the ball back in the game. At the other end, Salgaocar also came close when Stephen found Chaitan Komarpant in the box, and despite being closely markedC he managed to take shot at goal which sailed over the bar. Salgaocar’s Selwyn would have scored an own goal when he tried to clear the ball but it came off the post and the rebound fell to Beevan whose effort was well blocked by Selwyn. Click here for the Goa Pro League 2019-20 points table after this match.