Goa Pro League: Sporting Goa and Dempo play out 1-1 draw

Lethal striker Boima Jerry Karpeh equalised in the second-half for Sporting Clube de Goa as they drew 1-1 with Dempo SC in the Goa Super League at the Duler ground in Mapusa on Saturday afternoon. Dempo led 1-0 through a Romeo Fernandes strike at the interval.

Throughout the ninety minutes Sporting Goa created many opportunities to score, but were denied by the fabulous saves of custodian Laxmikant Kattimani, who eventually walked away with the man of the match award.

Dempo knew they had to win by two clear goals due to the head to head rules, to stay in contention for the title and put up a strong display. Romeo Fernandes was particularly lively, but sadly had to be removed in the first half itself due to an injury and could not even pick up his award for goal of the match at the end.

Romeo Fernandes gave Dempo the lead in the 18th minute with a superb volley after Roberto Mendes Silva initiated the move and it stayed that way at the break.

After resumption, Sporting Goa came out with increased desire, but was patient in procuring the goal they were looking for. Sporting Goa finally got the equalizer midway through the second session when they caught Dempo by surprise. Dempo had moved forward in large numbers for a corner, but this was intercepted and Pratesh Shirodkar sent a swift calculated pass to Jerry to notch his 16th goal of the season as he carefully rounded the goalkeeper.

After today’s draw, Sporting Goa stays top of the league with 27 points from 12 games, Dempo move up to second with 24 points from twelve, Churchill Brothers are third with 23 points from eleven.

If Churchill Brothers can get a point against Sesa Football Academy on Sunday, the title will go down to the wire on the final day when they meet the Flaming Oranje for a decider.