They clinch their seventeenth Goa Professional League title after a hard-fought win over FC Goa at Tilak Maidan
Vasco: In what can only be described as a stunning finish to the Goa Professional League, Dempo Sports Club president Shrinivas Dempo had an unforgettable experience as his team snatched victory from the jaws of losing the title, securing their second consecutive title with a last-gasp goal from Pedro Gonsalves.
The match was a tense affair from the beginning, with Dempo SC needing a win to claim the title. The pressure was palpable across all three venues, but it was even more intense for Dempo SC as their archrivals Sporting Clube de Goa were leading 3-0 against Churchill Brothers at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
Dempo had a lot to contend with before the game even started, with last-minute changes including the change in venue. However, Shrinivas Dempo spoke to the team before the game, stressing the importance of winning at any cost.
“We went through so much stress even before the game. There were last-minute changes including the change in venue, and I spoke to the boys prior to the game that we had to win the title at any cost, and the boys delivered it though it was a tough game where FC Goa played well. Fortunately, we had the edge,” Dempo said.
The team rose to the occasion, producing a champion’s performance against an undefeated side. The Dempo fraternity savoured this momentous occasion, basking in the glory of a hard-fought victory.
The goal arrived in the 88th minute, just two minutes before the end of the game. Those who have watched Dempo SC play over the past two seasons know that they tend to score goals in the closing ten minutes of games. Maximum goals have been scored by Dempo SC at the death of the game.
“This title was important for two reasons. At Dempo, every title is important, and we are the champions of Goa once again. Secondly, it gives us another chance to try for the second division league if we fail to qualify this year,” Dempo explained.
For Shrinivas Dempo, who witnessed the squad play with incredible grit the whole game, the victory was very meaningful. He discussed the significance of the win and why it was important to the team.
“This talk was about deliberation. I went to the dressing room. The boys were confident and wanted to take the challenge. This was more focused on getting the victory,” The club’s president further added.
Dempo SC are now competing in the AIFF Second Division I-League and vying for I-League qualification. This victory gives the team a big lift as it turns its attention to national football.
“The boys told me they want to be in the I-League and the ISL. We have a good team, and we can build and go to the next stage of football,” Dempo concluded.
The players’ never-say-die spirit deserves praise; the squad had to fight very hard to win. The players and spectators will be talking about that game for years to come as it was nothing less than a thriller on the final day.
The Goa Professional League came to a spectacular conclusion, and the Dempo supporters will never forget this event. With this victory, they have set their sights on even bigger things after demonstrating that they are a force to be reckoned with in Goan football. Dempo SC deserves praise for their well-earned victory.
TOP 10 GOALSCORERS
Mark Carvalho Salgaocar FC 10
Meuton Fernandes Velsao SCC 8
Lloyd Cardozo Sporting Clube 7
Fhezer Gomes Salgaocar FC 7
Rohan Rodrigues Sporting Clube 6
Clencio Pinto Sesa FA 6
Doyal Alves Panjim Footballers 6
Beneston Barretto Dempo SC 6
Lalkhawpuimawia Churchill Brothers 5
K Vinoth Velsao SCC 5
TOP 3 FASTEST GOALS SCORED
Nigel Silveira Calangute Association 1’
Desmon Pereira Dempo Sports Club 1’
Alent Colaco (U-20) Churchill Brothers FC 3’
MOST MOM AWARDS
Moises D’Sa Calangute Association 3
Mark Carvalho Salgaocar FC 3
Jason D’melo Salgaocar FC 3