A controversial second half goal helped Dempo post a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Sporting Clube de Goa in a third round match of the 11th ONGC National Football League in Goa on Thursday.
Sporting, who dominated the first 30 minutes and led 2-1 at half-time, scored through Joseph Pereira (11th minute) and Dudu Omagbemi (15th).
Dempo took full advantage of Bello Rasaq's expulsion due to a second yellow card and equalized through goals from Ranty Martins (35th minute) and man-of-the-match Roberto Mendes Da Silva (67th).
Martins again scored in the 78th minute to give Dempo full points.
Dempo now have six points from three matches while Sporting Clube have one from the same number of matches.
Sporting now travel to Mumbai to play Mahindra United on January 22 while Dempo move to Punjab to take on JCT the same day.
Also read: East Bengal score second win
Sporting Clube were in their elements as they dominated the first 30 minutes during which they took the lead in the 15th.
Dudu Omagbemi, who scored against Air India, set up Joseph Pereira outside the box and the latter cut past defender John Dias before sending a stiff left-footer to beat 'keeper Satish Kumar.
Two minutes later, Dudu who had his hand in the first goal, increased the lead.
Nicholas Rodrigues, from the left flank, sent a cross to Dudu, who chested the ball and volleyed with a bicycle kick to find the roof of the net.
Durand Cup champions Dempo, who put up an impressive performance against Mohammedan Sporting, took time to settle down and slowly found their rhythm as they reduced the margin in the 35th minute.
Defender Bolaji Mejek sent a long cross from the right, which Sporting Jeramiah failed to intercept. Clifford Miranda received the ball and sent through a pass to Martins, who beat Sporting 'keeper Felix with a fine placement.
Two minutes later, Dempo had a fine chance to equalise, but keeper Felix D'Souza denied Da Silva a goal, tipping the ball over the bar.
Crossing over, Dempo took advantage of the numerical advantage and came close to finding the equalizer, but Felix again proved a hard nut to crack as he brought off a diving save off Martins.
The scene shifted to the other end and Dempo 'keeper Satish had to block a stiff shot from Dudu, before the referee made a blunder in awarding a free-kick inside the box on Sporting defender Raymond.
The resultant free-kick was scored by Robert De Silva to allow Dempo draw level.
Dempo then went all out and Martins scored the winner in the 78th minute after his earlier header hit the post.
Clifford Miranda, from the left, relayed the ball to Martins, who sent a firm grounder. The ball hit a rival defender and deflected into the net.
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