Dempo begins campaign in style with 3-1 win over Al Ansar

Margao, Mar 11 (UNI) Riding on a splendid brace by Nigerian Ranty Martin, Dempo Sports Club began their campaign in style by humbling Al Ansar of Lebanon 3-1 and gaining full points in the leg opener of the AFC Cup Football match played here at Nehru stadium Fatorda in South Goa today.

For Dempo, Ranty Martin scored in the (21st, 31st minute), while Edeh Chidi scored in the 62nd minute scored. Substitute Danash Hassan was the lone scorer for Al Ansar.

Dempo began on a rousing note with control of the midfield and attack, giving a good account of themselves, they were leading with the two goals scored by Ranty Martin in the 21st and 31st minute of the first half.

In fact, Lebanon lads started by dominating the first 20 minutes of play. However with no penetrative moves they faded out as the match progressed.

Dempo shot into the lead in the 21st minute through a Mercurial forwarded Ranty Martin, off a well measured pass received from Roberto Mendes Silva (Beto) to make it 1-0.

In the counter attack, Al Ansar had a chance to equalise in the 28th minute when Ghaosson unleashed a powerpacked shot which was smartly saved by Dempo's Goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal.

Dempo increased their lead in the 31st minute again through Ranty (his brace) off a pass received from Edeh Chidi and at half time Dempo were leading by 2-0.

Inspired by two goals at the breather, Dempo continued to attack and further consolidated their lead in the 62nd minute through Edeh Chidi, off a pass from Ranty Martin, to make it 3-0.

Stung by a debacle, Lebanon accelerated the pace of their game but could not reduces the margin, but in the 78th minute substitute Danash Hassan who came in place of Ghosson forwarded a poor header which missed the mark, it was a cross pass from Amine.

However, Al Ansar managed to reduces the margin in the 89th minute with a Danash Hassan goal, who made amends for his earlier lapse.

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