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Former champions Dempo SC came from a goal down to win their first encounter at the 35th Federation Cup 2-1 against Bhowanipore FC at the MDSC Stadium in Manjeri on Tuesday afternoon. Second-half strikes from Alwyn George and Roberto Mendes Silva sealed the match for the Goan giants after Bhowanipore FC had taken an early lead through a fine Dipendu Dowary strike.
If the first half belonged to Bhowanipore FC, the second session was Dempo SC’s. Receiving a pass from J. Prasad, Dipendu Dowary cut inside and unleashed a venomous left-footer that swerved past Dempo custodian Laxmikant Kattimani. While Alwyn George scored from close in the 66th minute, Beto curled in a free-kick from the edge of the box ten minutes later.
Much to the surprise of many who expected a lopsided encounter, Bhowanipore FC were the better side in the first half attacking through the wings and keeping the ball better in the middle of the park.
Dipendu Dowary put forward a masterclass performance as the lone striker. With Daniel Ayeni Bidemi playing in the Bhowanipore FC five-man midfield and Prasad deployed in the hole behind Dipendu, the latter thrived upfront darting down the right channel to give India International Narayan Das of Dempo a hard time as left-back.
Dempo had few chances early on but failed to capitalise on them. Arthur Papas brought in Alwyn George in place of Pronay Halder in the 38th minute to enhance his attacking options but still Dempo found their going hard until the last few minutes when Beto floated in three corners. On the other end, Nabin Hela of Bhowanipore FC, who came in place of injured Jose Barreto, saw his snapshot being fisted away by Kuttimani.
Post the breather, things turned on its head as Dempo dominated proceedings as they took the initiative away from Bhowanipore FC. They passed the ball better and had more intent in the final third. The five-time national champions were rewarded as Alwyn and Beto found the back of the net in quick succession to avoid an early upset in the tournament.
(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)
