Dempo make sure of promotion to NFL

Dempo Sports Club, Goa, made sure of promotion to the seventh National Football League when they got the better of Indian National Football Club, Delhi, 2-0 in a sixth round match in the Second Division National Football League in Pondicherry on Friday.

The victory, the sixth in as many matches, assured the Goa side of a top two finish in the final phase of the tournament. They have 18 points, and only Indian Bank, Chenna, who have 13 from five matches, have a chance of surpassing their tally. But for that to happen the bankmen will have to win their two remaining matches, the last of which is against Dempo.

For Indian National Football Club, it was their sixth successive defeat.

Needless to say, Dempo were totally in control of the proceedings with the Delhi side unable to create any impression on their strong defence, manned by Stanley Colaco, Fellipe Gomes, Sameer Naik and Melwyn Rodrigues. The foursome have been really outstanding right through the tournament.

Dudu Omagbemi, their hardworking striker, was among the goals again, scoring both. He opened the account in the 36th minute after beating the Delhi side’s off-side trap. Following a floater from midfield by former India player Mario Soares, he did well to run in between two defenders, meet the ball and shoot home.

The second goal was scored a minute before the breather. It was a fine piece of opportunism as Dudu headed the ball home after his striking colleague Levy Coelho, who had replaced William Abeka, saw his header ricochet off the crossbar.

Second Division National Football League 2001-2002 - the complete coverage