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Salgaocar FC scored an entertaining 3-3 draw against Dempo SC to book their place in the semifinals of the AWES Cup, organised by Association for the Wellbeing of Elder Sportspersons (AWES) in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) at Tilak Maidan, Vasco on Tuesday.
Salgaocar FC finished their group engagements with five points that are enough for them to qualify. Dempo SC (four points from 2 matches) and FC Pune City (0 points from 1 game) will be the two teams battling for the other semifinal place from this group.
Salgaocar were deserving of a draw today that took them to the semifinals. The young side made a great start as they surged ahead in the fourth minute through Ronaldo Oliveira but Dempo SC struck back with a goal from defender Olan Chandran in the 32nd minute.
Dempo SC took the lead for the first time in the game in the 42nd minute through Beevan D’Mello but Salgaocar FC equalised in the first minute of the second session through a wonderful long-ranger from captain Mackroy Peixoto.
Dempo SC coach Samir Naik brought in Josley Dias to sharpen them in attack and the striker won them a penalty just a few minutes after he took the field after he was brought down inside the box. Naveen Mendes stepped up and converted the penalty to give Dempo a 3-2 lead just after the hour mark but Salgaocar FC were back in the game with eight minutes left to be played as Ronaldo scored his second goal of the match to tie the match 3-3.
Ronaldo’s late goal was a result of some sustained pressure from Salgaocar FC forwards who went close on several occasions before finally getting the deserving equaliser.
The match was a tale of two halves. If Dempo SC were impressive in the first session and called the shots, Salgaocar FC were equally good in the second session.
TOMORROW’s MATCH
Gokulam Kerala FC v Sporting Clube de Goa – Tilak Maidan (4pm)
