NT Reporter
Ella
Dempo Sports Club clinched the GFA U-20 Division I League title after a 1-0 win over Sesa Football Academy at the Ella ground on Friday, completing a remarkable hattrick of championships.
Captain Topon Minz proved the difference-maker, scoring the lone goal of the contest to seal the title for Dempo.
Dempo were forced to battle through the closing stages with ten men after full-back Vedant Gadekar was sent off in the 61st minute.
Despite the setback, the champions remained organised defensively and held firm against late pressure from Sesa FA.
They remained unbeaten throughout the league, finishing on top with 42 points from 14 matches.
Following the triumph, Dempo coach Pradip Chopdekar credited the players’ dedication and year-long preparation for the success.
“It’s pure hard work from the boys that turned into a championship. We started preparing for the U-20 squad last June. During the off-season, we were training three times a week. When everyone was enjoying, we were preparing for this season,” said Chopdekar.
The coach also dedicated the triumph to the entire Dempo setup while remembering two key figures associated with the club.
“I want to thank everyone associated with Dempo Sports Club. This is a collective victory. I also thank my technical staff for working towards the betterment of the players, team and club. We remember late Katz Naidoo, former technical director, and late John Dias, former U-20 manager. Thanks also to the Dempo group of companies and Shrinivas Dempo for their constant support,” he added.
