Vishesh’s late goal secures Calangute a point in their 3-3 draw
Ella: Dempo SC were left to rue missed chances as Calangute Association staged a late comeback to secure a 3-3 draw in the GPL Super League at Ella.
Dempo looked in control for large parts of the contest, asserting early dominance with purpose and precision. Calangute goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes was forced into action in the opening exchanges, setting the tone for a night where he would play a decisive role.
The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute when Murphy Fernandes’ teasing corner found Jordan Borges, who reacted quickest to slot home from close range. With momentum firmly on their side, Dempo doubled the lead six minutes later — Borges turning provider to release Mevan Dias, who finised calmly to make it 2-0.
Calangute, however, refused to be overrun. Despite mounting pressure and a booking for Jovito Fernandes, they clawed their way back into the game. Mehbub Hublikar threaded a precise pass to Joven Fernandes, who squeezed his effort past the defence to halve the deficit.
The contest opened up thereafter, with Dempo creating a flurry of chances before the break. Dias and Murphy both came close, while Mendes produced a crucial one-on-one save to keep Calangute alive. The woodwork and a series of near misses ensured Dempo went into halftime with only a slender 2-1 lead.
The second half followed a similar script, with Dempo dictating play. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Murphy Fernandes delivered another inviting ball into the box and Borges rose highest to head home his second, restoring a two-goal cushion.
Yet again, Calangute responded. In the 66th minute, Suraj Kumar teed up Sheldon Pereira on the edge of the box, and the forward rifled in a clinical finish to bring his side back within touching distance.
As the game edged towards its conclusion, Dempo pushed for a decisive fourth, but Mendes stood tall, denying Murphy with another fine save. That resilience proved crucial as Calangute found their moment in the dying minutes.
Joywin Carneiro’s driving run into the area forced a desperate challenge from Shameek Vas, and the referee pointed to the spot. Vishesh stepped up and converted to seal a point.
