Dempo Sports Club trashed Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club, Bangalore, 3-1 to ascertain its supremacy in the ONGC Cup 11th National Football League, in Bangalore, on Saturday.
The victory was a befitting tribute its ace striker Cristiano Junior, who died of a massive heart attack during the 2004 Federation Cup in the final against Mohan Bagan, which Dempo won.
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Dempo, playing in Bangalore for the first time after the tragedy struck the team three years ago, led 2-1 at half-time.
Nigerian striker Ranti Martins opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Clifford Miranda increased the tally in the 18th minute, before Murali pulled one back for the Bangalore side in the 42nd minute.
Roberto Silva put the issue beyond doubt, scoring Dempo's third goal in the 46th minute.
As anticipated, the league toppers held sway throughout the match to bolster their points tally to 20.
HAL are at the bottom of the league table with six points.
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