Dempo SC retain Goa Pro League title

GFA Media

The Golden Eagles claimed the Goan top tier football league title for the 15th time.

Dempo Sports Club have successfully defended their title as champions of the Goa Professional League in a nail-biting encounter against FC Goa at Tilak Maidan. Despite a frustrating 90 minutes, Dempo left it late to secure a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a penalty converted by substitute Pedro Gonsalves in the 88th minute.

Dempo had created ample chances throughout the game but had missed equally, making it look like they were going to miss out on the top spot. However, they were handed a lifeline in the dying minutes when they were awarded a penalty after a foul in the danger area. Gonsalves stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick to secure victory for his team, sending the Golden Eagles camp into celebration mode.

The win ensured that Dempo finished at the top of the table, ahead of Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa, who were on the verge of securing victories at their respective venues. A draw would have seen Dempo finish third on the table, but they made it all count in the final two minutes of the game to clinch the title.

GFA President Dr. Caitano Fernandes congratulated Dempo SC for defending their title and said, “They had an amazing season, and the title reflects their journey. Congratulations to their club president Shrinivas Dempo and coach Samir Naik and the entire team. We would like to wish them good luck in their Second Division League campaign now.”

Meanwhile, at Duler Stadium, Sporting Clube de Goa comfortably defeated Churchill Brothers FC Goa 3-0, with Lloyd Cardozo scoring a brace and Rohan Rodrigues adding the third. At Ella ground, Salgaocar FC cruised past Calangute Association 3-1, with Umang Gaikwad, Mark Carvalho, and Saurabh Patil finding the back of the net for the Greens. Former Greens and Calangute Association skipper Saeesh Halarnkar was the lone goal scorer for Calangute Association.