FC Goa Romp to Fifth Consecutive Win after Dispatching Dempo 3-0

GOA:
FC Goa continued their dominant streak in the Goa leg of the 2023 Reliance Foundation Development League winning five in a row to start their campaign. Tuesday saw the Gaurs get the better of Dempo, beating Super Eagles for the second time in the space of four days as they came out on top 3-0 at the Ella ground in Old Goa.

Deggie Cardozo’s boys meant business from the get go, enjoying large spells of possession to begin proceedings as they put the Dempo keeper Myrick Hilario to the test twice in the opening 10 minutes.

Malsawmtluanga Ralte in the middle of the park looked especially dangerous for the Gaurs as the midfielder got himself into positions of menace – testing the keeper with a shot in the 21st minute before seeing his attempt on goal graze only the side netting as the game went past the half-an-hour mark.

And it was no surprise when the youngster found the back of the net to open proceedings two minutes later. Following some impressive hold up play by Bryson Fernandes in the box, Ralte arrived at the opportune moment to slot home Bryson’s pass.

The young Gaurs kept looking for the second in the first half itself and Deggie Cardozo’s decision to swap the flanks of his wingers late on in the period paid off magnificently.

Salgeo Dias scored in the second minute of added on time. The forward did well to find Delton Colaco on the wings who found space and time to find the onrushing Salgeo, who hit home from close distance.

The Gaurs didn’t let their opponents off the hook in the second half, eventually finishing things off with a third strike in the 83rd minute. Dempo keeper Myrick Hilario was deemed to have fouled Delton in the box, resulting in a red card for the custodian and a penalty for FC Goa. Captain for the day, HP Lalhremruata stepped up to the plate to calmly slot it home from the spot to make it 3-0.

The win sees FC Goa extend their lead to 5 points with Velsao in second place with 10 points from their 4 games. Dempo, meanwhile remain third with 5 points from 6. FC Goa will look to make it 6 wins out of 6 on Friday, April 14 when they take on Salgaocar at the Monte de Guirim ground. The game is scheduled for a 4 pm kickoff.