Anthony Pereira, Ryuji Sueoka, Clifford Miranda, who scored two quick goals, and Koko Sakibo scripted Dempo’s impressive 5-0 win
NT NETWORK
MARGAO: Defending champions Dempo Sports Club mauled Sporting Clube de Goa 5-0 in the second round encounter, to prove their supremacy in the I-League at Nehru stadium, Fatorda, Margao on Friday.
Dempo were leading 2-0 at half time and logged in three more goals in the second session to humiliate their rivals. The goal scorers for Dempo were Anthony Pereira, who gave the lead in the 15th minute, and then Ryuji Sueoka found the mark in the 23rd minute. Captain Clifford Miranda scored two quick goals in the 70th and 74th minute while Koko Sakibo completed the route through a penalty-goal in the third minute of added time (93rd minute).
Speaking at the post-match briefing, Dempo coach Armando Colaco said that though it was not an easy game against Sporting his game plan was to finish off the match in the first half itself which he said was successful enough. He stated that his team will now move to Gangtok and play against United Sikkim. To a question regarding Rohan Ricketts, he said that the English player is a class act and that he needs a little more time to get physical fitness.
On the other hand, Sporting coach stated that though he was disappointed with the team’s performance today, the one huge complaint he had was regarding the penalty that was awarded against his team in the last minute of play. He said that his goalkeeper did not deserve the yellow card. Dempo started with their usual fashion with quick short passes and possession play as Clifford Miranda being lethal all the while and in the second session, Climax Lawrence and Koko Sakibo were also at their best, resulting in almost complete domination.
Sporting Clube did shine in patches with Rowan Pereira and Dawson Fernandes making some attempts to find the mark, but their shots were totally off target. Both of them tried two shots each in both the sessions of play without any success.
Dempo were accurate in their passing as well as in guiding the ball into the rival nets.
The lead that Dempo took happened when Clifford Miranda dodged three Sporting defenders and then on reaching the box passed the ball to Sueoka whose shot hit the post and the rebound was connected smartly by Anthony Pereira.
Then it was Sueoka and Clifford who hoodwinked the entire Sporting defence with the former finding the mark easily with a low shot.
In the second session, Koko provided a cross to Clifford Miranda who shot in to beat Sporting keeper L Ashok Singh. Within the next four minutes, Clifford scored again to complete his brace.
Dempo scored their fifth goal in the added time of three minutes. Sporting keeper in order to prevent Seuoka from scoring charged out, coming close to the edge of the box where he fouled the striker. Referee A Rowan from SSCB showed the yellow card to the keeper and then pointed to the penalty spot which Koko Sakibo slotted in without much ado.
