Dempo draw, but make it to semis

Manjeri: Dempo SC progressed to the semi-finals thanks to a better goal difference after a goalless draw against a spirited Mohammedan Sporting in their final Group D match at the Federation Cup here on Monday.

Mohammedan tried their best to break the deadlock but were unable to wear down the gritty Dempo defence. Both teams finished their group engagements with seven points each with the Goans enjoying a better goal difference.

Dempo started well as their wingers constantly tormented the Mohammedan’s defence. Their first chance came in the 15 th minute when an unmarked Romeo Fernandes failed to capitalise on a superb corner taken by Beto. But the right-winger created a chance in the very next minute when he fed Jeje Lalpekhlua with a cross but the Indian striker failed to connect the ball.

Mohammedan played a more aggressive game than their previous matches and their striker Penn Orji was able to win the ball back from Dempo defence couple of times. But Dempo’s Afghan defender Haroon Amiri was able to thwart the threats with effective tackling.

Earlier, Bhawanipore FC defeated United Sikkim FC, 1-0. Meanwhile, striker Koko Sakibu scored a brace as local side Eagles FC finished theircampaign on a high with a 2-0 victory over United SC in Kochi.

Churchill, that had alrea-dy ensured its qualification to the semi-finals, came out undisputed group champions as they edged out Pune 3-2 in a high tension match.