Goa Khabar : Dempo SC’s commanding start was met with early resistance, but once the Golden Eagles found their rhythm, they imposed themselves with authority in an absorbing contest against Calangute Association. The opening exchanges saw Calangute goalkeeper Wellyster Mendes called into action twice, setting the tone for a contest where his interventions would prove vital.
Dempo probed with intent and Murphy Fernandes came agonisingly close before the breakthrough finally arrived. In the 24th minute, a well-delivered corner from Murphy found Jordan Borges who reacted quickest to guide home from close range and hand Dempo a deserved lead. Momentum stayed firmly with Dempo and just six minutes later, Borges turned provider slipping Mevan Dias through on goal; the forward made no mistake, calmly doubling the advantage.
Calangute however, refused to fold. Despite frustration creeping in evident in a booking for Jovito Fernandes, they found a way back into the contest. A well-worked move saw Mehbub Hublikar thread a pass to Joven Fernandes, who managed to squeeze his effort past the Dempo defence and goalkeeper to reduce the deficit. The goal injected belief into Calangute, while Dempo continued to threaten, with Mevan Dias and Murphy Fernandes both going close in a frantic spell before the break. Wellyster Mendes redeemed himself with a crucial stop in a one-on-one situation, while the woodwork and a series of near misses denied Dempo a third, leaving the score finely poised at 2-1 heading into halftime.
The second half resumed with Dempo once again asserting control, stretching Calangute’s backline with fluid attacking play. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when Murphy Fernandes delivered another telling ball into the box and Jordan Borges rose to the occasion, grabbing his second of the evening to restore Dempo’s two-goal cushion. The game grew increasingly physical with bookings reflecting the rising intensity, but Calangute continued to show resilience. In the 66th minute, Suraj Kumar set up Sheldon Pereira, who unleashed a clinical strike from the edge of the box to bring Calangute back within one goal yet again.
As the match entered its closing stages, tension gripped both sides. Dempo pushed to seal the result, but Wellyster Mendes stood tall, producing another fine save to deny Murphy Fernandes. Just when it seemed the Golden Eagles would hold on, late drama unfolded. Joywin Carneiro’s surge into the penalty area forced a desperate challenge from Shameek Vas and the referee pointed to the spot. Viresh stepped up with composure and converted from the spot in the 89th minute, completing a remarkable comeback for Calangute. What began as a controlled display from Dempo ultimately ended in a pulsating draw, a contest defined by momentum swings, missed chances, and Calangute’s refusal to surrender.
