#3 Dempo (2008) – Semifinals
The rise of Dempo in the mid-2000’s was truly a fairytale of Indian football, as at the turn of the millennium, the club’s owners were seriously considering disbanding the team. Yet, they persevered and were rewarded when Dempo won the 2006/07 edition of the National Football League to qualify for the 2008 AFC Cup.
Dempo had failed to make it past the group stages in 2005 and 2006, and being drawn against West Asian clubs Al-Muharraq, Al-Ansar and Sur in Group A, little was expected as Indian clubs historically struggled against their West Asian counterparts. With Ranti Martins leading the line and being ably supplied by Climax Lawrence from midfield, Dempo turned in some creditable home and away performances to finish as runners-up in their group – 10 points, with 3 wins, a draw and 2 losses.
Dempo were drawn with Singaporean side Home United in the quarterfinals, and after a 1-1 draw in the home leg, Dempo played out a thrilling 4-3 away win in Singapore to book their place in the semifinals against Lebanese side, Safa. Dempo fell to a narrow 1-0 loss in Beirut, and two quickfire goals early in the second leg meant that the eventual aggregate scoreline of 5-1 was not a surprise.
Overall it was a great campaign for the Goan club as their coach Armando Colaco said “This (AFC semifinal) is the most important achievement for all of us. We targeted quarterfinal and feel great to have moved one step ahead. This was possible just because of the hard work and collective brilliance of the entire team.”
