They squeeze past them 6-5 withstanding a late surge of goals by the visitors
Ella: Dempo SC produced an attacking masterclass before withstanding a late surge to defeat Chapora YS 6-5 in a high-scoring Goa Professional League clash at the Dempo Academy Ground, Ella on Tuesday.
For Dempo, Melvin Dias (6’), Rahul Rodrigues (17’), Sairon Albuquerque (39’ p), Arnold Antonio Oliveira (42’), Murphy Fernandes (84’) and Jordan Borges (87’) were on target, while Chapora replied through Soham Sheticar (27’, 63’, 90+3’), Edwin Viegas (65’) and Veron Fabien Pereira (90+6’ p).
Dempo imposed themselves early and opened the scoring in the sixth minute after Salgeo Dias intercepted a misplaced pass and slipped a precise through ball to Melvin Dias, who finished low into the bottom right corner.
The lead was doubled in the 17th minute when Rahul Rodrigues, unmarked at the far post, clinically converted from close range to put Dempo in firm control.
Chapora reduced the margin in the 27th minute through Sheticar following a scramble inside the box, but Dempo responded strongly. In the 39th minute, Albuquerque calmly converted from the penalty spot after Salgeo Dias was brought down inside the area.
Three minutes later, Arnold Antonio Oliveira capitalised on a rebound from a set-piece to fire home and give Dempo a commanding 4-1 lead at half-time.
Chapora attempted a comeback with two quick goals in the 63rd and 65th minutes through Sheticar and Viegas, but Dempo maintained their attacking momentum.
In the 84th minute, Murphy Fernandes extended the lead after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box following a corner. Jordan Borges then added what proved to be the decisive goal in the 87th minute, finishing confidently over the advancing goalkeeper after collecting a long ball forward.
Chapora struck twice in stoppage time, with Sheticar completing his hat-trick and Pereira converting a penalty, but Dempo held on to seal a hard-fought victory.
