Dempo's super-sub Beneston Barretto scores injury-time goal to rescue a point from FC Goa

Ravish Narvekar

The Golden Eagles concluded the first leg of Goa Professional League 2022-23 at top with 20 points. However, Calangute Association, Sporting Clube de Goa and Salgaocar FC have chance to top the table with a match in hand.

Beneston Barretto came off the bench and scored a stunner to ensure Dempo Sports Club walk away with a point after securing a thrilling 1-1 draw against FC Goa in the Goa Professional League match played at Duler Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Dempo's substitute forward scored in the added minutes to cancel FC Goa’s second half lead scored through Malsawmtluanga in the 59th minute.

Dempo SC continued to remain on top of the table with 20 points from 10 games while FC Goa moved to 16 points from 10 games.

FC Goa had the first shot at goal in the ninth minute when Manushaun Fernandes received the ball inside the box after pressing Dempo defence but the lad fired wide from close range.

At the other end, Dempo Sports club also attempted a shot from a distance when Gourav Kankonkar intercepted Vellington’s pass and played to Jaison VAZ, but the lad’s low shot was easily collected by the keeper.

FC Goa had yet another chance when Deeshank’s cross cum shot was poorly dealt by Dempo custodian Antonio Da Silva and the ball fell to Malsawmtluanga, who had an open goal but he failed to control the ball.

Dempo SC’s Jaison Vaz continued to press and saw another shot off target.

Dempo custodian came with a brilliant save in the first half when he punched away Leewan Castanha’s effort from outside the box.

FC Goa continued with their attacks using the flanks and they finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when an attack from the right found Vasim Inamdar, who fired a low grounder which Dempo keeper Antonio did well to keep it out but the ball fell to Malsawntluanga, who calmly pushed the ball at the back of the net, 1-0.

FC Goa’s Salgeo Dias saw his low shot from inside the box being saved by the Dempo keeper.

Dempo Sports Club refused to give up and eventually found the equalizer in the added minutes of the match when FC Goa’s Rayan Menezes defensive clearance fell to Necio Fernandes’ path and the latter headed to Beneston Barreto. The second half substitute made the effort count, scoring a fine volley on the turn to earn a crucial point for the Golden Eagles.