Dempo Sports Club scored a comfortable 3-0 win over Sporting Clube de Goa in the 2023-24 season opening Charity Match organised by Goa Football Association at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Sunday. Aaron Bareto, Saiesh Bagkar and Pratik Naik were the goal-scorers.
The youthful contingent fielded by Dempo Sports Club demonstrated their mettle from the get-go, leaving Sporting Clube de Goa grappling to keep up with their unrelenting pace. Despite an initial display of nervous play from both sides, the momentum soon swung in the favour of Dempo SC. The breakthrough moment transpired in stunning fashion as Aaron Barreto, in his debut appearance for the Golden Eagles, uncorked an astonishing 40-yard missile that left the Sporting Clube de Goa’s keeper helpless. This scintillating strike catapulted Dempo SC into a well-deserved advantage.
Having seized control of the proceedings, Dempo SC continued to press forward. Vieri Colaco demonstrated his prowess in front of the net, launching an attempt that was thwarted by Sporting Clube de Goa’s vigilant goalkeeper. Moments later, Bhaskar Jalmi, the custodian for Sporting Clube de Goa, showcased his shot-stopping abilities, denying Laximanrao Rane’s close-range effort.
Dempo SC maintained their attacking intensity in their quest for additional goals. Saiesh Bagkar’s determined header narrowly missed the target, but he soon redeemed himself. A well-executed long ball from Dempo SC found its mark, setting up Faseen who, in turn, deftly delivered it into Saiesh’s path. The latter exhibited composure and precision, slamming the ball past the stranded goalkeeper and doubling Dempo SC’s lead to 2-0.
The second half witnessed no let-up from Dempo SC’s onslaught. In the 73rd minute, the team further padded their lead, capitalising on a corner-kick. Arnold Oliveira’s expertly placed delivery found its intended target as Pratik Naik’s header bulged the back of the net, solidifying Dempo SC’s dominance with a 3-goal advantage.
The match’s climax saw Chief Guest Chandkhant Shetye, Bicholim MLA, distribute the match-day gate pass collection to deserving beneficiaries — Referee Kalidas Dessai, late Joe Colaco (collected by family member), and Ritinha Pereira, an iconic figure in women’s football.
The Goa Football Association President, Dr. Caitano Fernandes, along with other executive members, bore witness to this remarkable event.
The standout performers of the day were celebrated for their contributions. Aaron Barreto, who dazzled with his remarkable debut goal, was deservedly named the Player of the Match. Joel D’Souza of Sporting Clube de Goa clinched the Best Defender award, while Pratik Naik’s influential presence earned him the Promising Player of the Match accolade. Vinay Harji stood tall in midfield, earning him the Best Midfielder distinction, while Dempo’s Dylan D’Silva secured the Best Goalkeeper prize.
