Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay
I-League Media

NEW DELHI: The journey of Dempo SC in the Second Division League has been an anecdote of inspiration, a tale of recuperation. The Goan outfit, who have succumbed to relegation in 2014-15, have fastened their belt to come back strongly to the top flight football of India.

Dempo SC started their Second Division Campaign with a cautious victory over PIFA Sports at their home, courtesy the solitary strike by Milagres Gonsalves. Albeit they had to bite the dust in their next outing against Lonestar Kashmir FC and Minerva Academy FC, they made a stern comeback against Kenkre FC. Having won 5 matches in the Western Conference, Dempo SC secured their berth in the final round in the pursuit of the coveted Hero I-League berth.

With the inclusion of Mandar Rao Desai and Romeo Fernandes, Dempo SC found more vigour in their attacking third and hurled Gangtok Himalayan SC on their first outing in the final round. Neroca FC ransacked Dempo SC on the next match owing to two first-half strikes by Seikhohao Tuboi and David Ngaihte.

When everyone started to raise a question on Dempo SC, they earned their second win on the road against none other than Minerva Academy FC in Chandigarh, courtesy the only goal netted by Uttam Rai. Since then, they have dished out dazzling performances and went from strength to strength to attain the holy grail of the Second Division League, the coveted berth in the Hero I-League berth.

The winning spree started with the thumping win over Neroca FC and Gangtok Himalayan SC also fell prey to them. The Black Panthers came out with a resilient performance to share the pie with them at the Fatorda Stadium on the next match but they garnered all 3 points in their next outing against Lonestar Kashmir FC.

Having mustered 13 goals so far in 9 matches, the intimidating attacking trio of Dempo SC will look forward to smother Minerva Academy FC on 29th May. Now onus will be on the defenders to hold their fortress to sign off with a positive result to attain the summit. The Mauricio Afonso-coached side will come out all guns blazing to shelve Minerva Academy FC’s hope to write a golden chapter in Indian Football history. Now onus is on Mandars and Romeos to hold their nerves and sign off with the result after the fierce battle of 90 minutes at the Fatorda Stadium.