Mahindra edges out Dempo by 1-0, tops the table

Margao, Mar 27 (UNI) A 73rd minute goal by substitute Mahd Rafi enabled defending champions Mahindra United brush aside the challenge from Durand cup champions Dempo by 1-0 and climbed at the top of the table in the ONGC National Football league championship match being played here at Nehru stadium Fatorda today.

With this win, Mahindra increased their points tally to 21 points to move at the top, while Dempo were relegated to second place with 20 points with as many matches.

Dempo could have won the outright had they utilised the gilt edged opportunites before them especially in the first session.

In a fast paced match, Dempo went into attack right from the start with the midfielder controlled the play well but their forrwards lacked scoring ideas especially in the first half. They came with three splendid opportunities in the 9th minute Clifford Miranda gave a through pass to Climax Lawrence, who run down with the ball beating the entire rival defence and unleashed a hasty shot which missed the mark narrowly.

Then in the next minute, Renty Martin attempted shot sailed over the bar off a pass from Peter Carvalho.

Dempo had one more chance to move ahead in the 30th minute of the first half but Roberto Silva's header missed the mark. It was a good pass from Clifford Miranda.

Mahindra came near scoring in the 32nd minute but Dempo goalkeeper Satish Kumar punched for abortive corner a power packed shot by Yakubu Yusif.

After barren first half, jeepmen played themselves with renewed vigour after two changes in the team bringing in Stevan Dias in place of S Venkatesh and Mahammed Rafi in place of James Singh.

In the 72nd minute, Mahindra had a chance to surge ahead but Dempo goalkeeper brought off a fine save off a header from Pomeyie Mensah following a flag kick taken by substitute Stevan Dias.

Mahindra scored the match winner in the 73rd minute through Substitute Mahammed Rafi, whose powerpacked shot found the net off a well measured pass received from Mbaka Dady to make it 1-0.

Inspired by a win, Mahindra continued to attack and had couple of good opportunites to score few minutes before the close but Mbaka Dady and Yakuby Yusif were not quick in grasping the advantages.

Dempo's defender Samir Naik was adjudged the man of the match for his fine performance.

UNI