PANAJI: Dempo Sports Club are just at a whisker’s distance from inscribing their name on the coveted I-League trophy in its third edition. Dempo’s 4-1 demolition of former champions Mohun Bagan on Wednesday in Kolkata reiterated the fact that India’s top club are hungry for more.
“Yes the win over Bagan was a vital one but we knew that a win here would secure our chances of winning the title. It’s not over yet, as only two teams, Dempo and Churchill are in contention following Mahindra’s drawn game today with Pune,” informed Dempo coach Armando Colaco when this reporter contacted him in Kolkata.
Asked what was his mantra for the boys when the team was trailing by a goal and that the likes of Beto (brace), Ranty Martins and Joaquim Abranches, turned the tables with a stunning second half blitzkrieg, Armando replied: “It was mainly a change of strategy as we went more into the attacking more and sealed the match in our favour. That apart, I also told the boys that the title will be ours so why not do it today than leave it for tomorrow.”
“I have full faith in my players and if we can win one more match, possibly the next one at home against Air-India, then we are certainly through. But we still need to monitor Churchill as they have extra games in hand, and at the end of the day we have a superior goal-difference as well,” reminded Armando.
Mercurial medio Beto, who set the platform with a splendid second half header, which first equalised proceedings for Dempo and then allowed Ranty and Abranches to consolidate, said: “I thank the Almighty for today’s fine win. We worked very hard for this position and I am happy we gelled superbly and beat Bagan in their own backyard, which is not easy.”
Beto, who was eager to strike on the day, said that he was happy to play his role in today’s memorable win and praised the entire team for staying focused. “Basically, it was a team work and the fact that we have been playing in AFC Cup, we have emerged as an improved outfit over the last few seasons. The boys have delivered their best and put the best foot forward and coach Armando has been inspirational,” added Beto, who scored a brace against Bagan today and picked up the man of the match award.
