Dempo SC clinched the I-League title with a narrow 1-0 win over Shillong Lajong at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Shillong.
The Goans have managed to amass a total of 53 points with one round of games still to go. Shillong Lajong were fighting to stay in the league and with the home crowd behind them “The Khasi’s” were looking to snatch at least a point out of the game. Lajong started really well and played some good football as Dempo took their time to get used to the bouncy nature of the pitch. The home side eventually paid for their wastefulness as Dempo hit them on the counter with Martin accelerating on the right channel. He supplied Pereira running next to him and the Indian International made no mistake with his finishing.
Club captain, Anthony Pereira’s goal came in the 37th minute and it remained the only goal of the match as the Goans then kept good organization to prevent a goal. Dempo SC have showed magnificent form since that 1-3 away loss to title rivals Mahindra United to clinch their fourth league title in six years. Armando Colaco has been the main man behind their success and he will be hungry to continue with the same level of success in the league and the AFC Champions League next year.
Now that the title is decided all eyes turn to the relegation battle. Mumbai FC, Shillong Lajong, Sporting Club de Goa and Salgaocar are all battling to stay in the league.