Cristian Perez’s double secures three points for Golden
Panaji: Dempo SC put on a clinical display on Friday, sealing a crucial 2-0 victory over Inter Kashi in the I-League, thanks to a resilient defensive effort and the brilliance of goalkeeper Ashish Sibi. Playing away from home, Dempo capitalized on their chances and punished a 10-man Inter Kashi, securing just their second win in eight games.
Despite the heartbreaking loss of his father, Dempo SC’s Mohamed Ali took to the field on with strength and purpose, a pillar to the Golden Eagles. Marshalling the defense, Dempo SC kept a clean sheet in the game.
Inter Kashi’s aggressive start was undone in the 36th minute when defender Sandip Mandi received a second yellow for a reckless challenge, reducing the hosts to 10 men. Six minutes later, Juan Mera’s brilliant run and precise cutback found Damian Perez Roa, who slotted home a first-time finish to give Dempo the lead.
In the 65th minute, Inter Kashi earned a penalty after Shallum Pires fouled Domingo Berlanga in the box. Berlanga’s low spot-kick seemed destined for the net, but Ashish Sibi, despite diving early, adjusted mid-air to make a stunning save and preserve Dempo’s advantage. Dempo sealed the win in the 81st minute when a miscommunication between Kashi’s goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya and defender V Bijoy gifted Damian an open goal, allowing him to tap in his second of the night.
While title contenders Inter Kashi remain stuck in third place with 21 points from 13 matches, Dempo closed the gap to 17 points, reigniting their fight for a stronger finish in the league.
Inter Kashi started on the front foot, dominating possession and creating early chances.
Defender Sandip Mandi was sent off in the 36th minute, picking up a second yellow for a reckless challenge, leaving Inter Kashi down to ten men for the rest of the match. Dempo wasted no time taking advantage. Six minutes later, Juan Mera’s run opened up space for a perfect cutback, which Damian Perez Roa smashed into the far corner, giving Dempo a shock lead.
Despite being a man down, Inter Kashi fought back before halftime, forcing Sibi into two world-class saves—first denying Babovic in a one-on-one situation and then Edmund Lalrindika’s curling effort.
