MARGAO, Jan 9 (PTI): Dempo FC kept their unbeaten run intact as they scored in each half to beat Salgaocar FC 2-0 to enter the finals of the 36th Hero Federation Cup football tournament here today.
Dempo, who dominated the match in both the sessions, scored through Francis Fernandes (11th) and Tolgay Ozbey (59th). They could have won by bigger margin had it not been for brilliant efforts from rival keeper Subrata Paul who made three saves.
Both the teams played open game in the first half. Dempo FC, who came into this match with an unbeaten run, looked more organised in their attack, creating more scoring chances as they moved the ball from the flanks with Tolgay putting a lot of pressure on the rival defense.
Dempo, who attacked the rival goal with steady passes, took the lead in the 11th minute against the run of play as Francis Fernandes, who received the ball on the left, took a shot that took an awkward deflection from Tolgay who was in an off side position and the ball found the far corner of the net beating Paul all ends up.
Tolgay, who was put through on the right twice saw his effort first sail over the bar and later saved by Paul.
Salgaocar FC, who was hit hard by the absence of Darryl Duffy, were looking for their third title this season and enjoyed upper hands in the midfield but were not given space by the rival defender to strike.
Salgaocar FC, who played all the league phase matches at Tilak Stadium in Vasco, looked good as they tried to find the equaliser and substitute Cliffton Dias� effort off a Douhou Pierre pass missed the target narrowly.
