Dempo sets up summit clash with EB

Dempo SC scored two second half goals to end the hopes of defending champion Salgaocar SC in the second semifinal of the 34th Federation Cup at Siliguri’s Kanchanjungha Stadium on Friday. For Dempo, Joaquim Abranches and Nigerian Koko Sakibo found the target in the final quarter of the match.

Dempo, who last reached the final in 2008, will take on local favourite East Bengal in the final on Sunday. With Dempo’s entry in the final, East Bengal ensured a place in AFC Cup as the Goan club is the defending I-League champion.

 

The second half became exciting following a barren opening session in which both teams adopted a cautious approach. Dempo came back strongly after the break but could not find the target easily as Salgaocar goalkeeper Karanjit Singh saved two good attempts by Peter Carvalho [49th] and Sakibo [70th]. Abranches found the break in the 74th minute, firing a nice side-volley on a cross from substitute Romeo Fernandes. Dempo doubled the lead in the 85th minute when Sakibo collected a cross from Anthony Perreira, took a sharp turn to clear Luciano Sabrosa and slotted home a powerful volley.