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Dempo Sports Club broke their sequence of losses and returned to the
top of the table after securing a 3-2 win over Sporting Clube de Goa at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday.
Dempo were down by an early first half goal but Joy Ferrao first restored parity, then Koko Sakibo rose from the bench to put the former champions ahead before Ranty Martins settled the issue. Dawson Fernandes had scored Sporting Clube’s opening goal and Joyner Lourenco added another one in the third minute of added time.
With the victory, Dempo move to the top of the table with 24 points from 11 matches while Sporting Clube stay on 13 points from 11 matches.
Eager to put the three consecutive losses behind them, Dempo started strongly and should have been ahead early in the game had Joy Ferrao’s half-volley not kissed the goalpost and sailed out of play. At the other end, Dempo goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani was required to make two good saves to keep the scoreline blank. First, he dived full length to keep out Jovel Martins’ long ranger and then when South Sudan striker james Moga threatened to find the back of the net, Kattimani proved equal to the challenge again.
Sporting Clube surged ahead immediately after resumption when Stephen Barreto’s cross from the right should have been converted by Moga in front of the goal instead it was Dawson who took everyone by surprise when his reverse kick landed in the goal.
Dempo took the setback in their stride and continued attacking. True enough they found the goal in the 62nd minute, although in fortunate circumstances. A feeble shot from Godwin Franco was diverted by a Sporting defender only for Joy Ferrao, lurking nearby, to pounce on the opportunity.
Dempo surged ahead in the 74th minute when Climax Lawrence put Koko through and the Nigerian striker was left with the simplest of task to beat Milagrio Medeira under the Sporting goal.
Ranty Martins scored the team’s third goal six minutes from close. This time too it was Climax who did all the hardwork and left Ranty with a simple tap.
There was still time for another goal but this time, it were Sporting Clube who benefited as Joyner Lourenco came up with a stunning 40-yarder that found the top corner of the nets.
Godwin Franco was declared the Man of the Match.
