Shillong shocker for favourites Dempo
Who knew Dempo would have to see this day, being thumped out of the Federation Cup by the babes of I-League?
Who knew Dempo would have to see this day, being thumped out of the Federation Cup by the babes of I-League?
After the humbling at Pune FC's hands on Tuesday, the former I-League champions and last edition's finalists were stunned by Lajong FC in their Group D encounter here on Thursday. Also, had it not been for the atrocious standard of supervision, Dempo --- playing with 10 men in the second half--- would have had no goal against their name.
Lajong again scored early when Nepal international striker Anil Gurung dodged Dempo defender Cressan Antao to deposit the ball at the back of the net. The equaliser came off a controversial decision, as the linesman failed to notice the ball go over the touchline just when Dempo midfielder Anthony Pereira launched a chip.
There was no Dempo striker to convert but defender Daniel Bidemi, in an attempt to clear the ball, drove it into his own goal.
The Dempo defenders had no idea what had hit them and Anwar and Co had a hard time thwarting an energetic Lajong. Anwar's handball just on the fringes of their 18-yard box again went unnoticed. But the India defender was given marching orders in first-half injury time for elbowing an unstoppable Tuboi on the right flank.
Tuboi came up with the winner, and probably the goal of the tournament so far.
A fast counterattack saw Gurung putting the ball in the Dempo box and with Sameer Naik fumbling to clear, Tuboi unleashed a stunning backvolley that beat goalkeeper Tyson Caiado.