IFL: Former champs Dempo blank Aizawl to move into top six for first time

Margao: Dempo SC are showing why they can’t be written off just yet as the five-time national league champions secured their second victory on the trot in the Indian Football League (IFL).
On Saturday, Dempo produced yet another 3-0 win, this time against Aizawl FC at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here.
Just last week, Dempo had defeated Shillong Lajong FC by the same margin for their first win this season.
The crucial win keeps Dempo in the race to finish in the top six for the second phase of the competition. They moved to fifth place for the first time with nine points from eight games. Aizawl have the same number of points but dropped to the sixth spot due to inferior goal difference.
Elsewhere, Diamond Harbour FC rallied for a 3-1 win against Chanmari FC. The Kolkata outfit continue to lead the table with 19 points.
It was once again Marcus Joseph who gave Dempo the lead before the break. The Trinidad and Tobago striker scored his sixth goal of the season in eight games. In the second half, Colombian defender Jose Moreno headed in the second, while substitute Sebastian Gutierrez curled in the third in added time.
Before start of the contest, Aizawl were in the top half of the standings while Dempo were in the bottom half. But on the pitch, there was nothing that separated the two sides. The teams started cautiously as they tried to stitch meaningful passes.
The ball was mostly restricted to the midfield for the first 15 minutes. Then, Aizawl had a glorious chance to stun their opponents which they blew away.
A mis-pass by Dempo’s attack saw Laltlanzova get hold of the ball in his own half and dart into the opposition box, dribbling one rival player at a time. Laltlanzova evaded a sliding tackle by Dempo centre-back Aubin Kouakou before having a clear look at goal. Instead of shooting, Laltlanzova opted to set up Zomuansangna and the move failed miserably.
At the other end, Knerkitalang Buam tried his luck from distance, but it didn’t trouble Aizawl goalkeeper Lalhruai Tluanga.
Dempo finally broke the deadlock before the break. Kapil sent in a delightful ball inside the box and Saiesh Bagkar picked it up. The left back waited for a rival to slide, made space and shot. Tluanga was certainly going to block the placement, but Marcus was at the right spot as his deflection guided the ball into the goal.
Changing over, Dempo continued in the same rhythm and took charge. Kapil came up with yet another dangerous corner, but Aubin’s header sailed inches over.
Kapil was in the thick of action once again as his corner in the 54th minute created panic in the Aizawl box. Saiesh’s initial header was blocked by Tluanga, but the rebound fell straight to Moreno who made no mistake from close range.
Just after the hour mark, Pruthvesh Pednekar brought down Laltlanzova inside the penalty area. However, Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi left Zomuansangna frustrated from the spot kick with a diving save.
In added time, Colombian Gutierrez sealed victory with a curling effort.
Dempo take on Rajasthan United FC in their last league phase game on April 19.