Dempo SC U-20 were crowned GFA U-20 League champions for the third consecutive year after defeating Sesa FA 1-0 at the Ella ground on Friday.
Captain Topon Minz scored the decisive goal as the Young Golden Eagles completed a remarkable unbeaten campaign, winning all 14 matches of the season. Dempo also showed great resilience after being reduced to 10 men in the 61st minute when full-back Vedant Gadekar received a red card.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Dempo defended resolutely to preserve their lead and seal another league triumph.
Head coach Pradip Chopdekar credited the achievement to the hard work and dedication of the players throughout the year.
“It’s the pure hard work of the boys that turned into a championship,” said Chopdekar. “We started preparing this U-20 squad last June. During the off-season, we trained three times a week. While others were enjoying their break, we were preparing for this season.”
Calling it a collective effort, Chopdekar thanked everyone associated with the club for their contribution to the successful campaign.
“This is a collective victory. I want to thank everyone associated with Dempo Sports Club, my technical staff who worked for the betterment of the players, team and club. We also remember late Katz Naidoo, former Technical Director, and late John Dias, former U-20 manager. Thanks to the Dempo Group of Companies and Sir Shrinivas Dempo for their constant support,” he added.
Dempo’s third successive GFA U-20 League title capped a dominant season in which they scored freely while conceding the fewest goals in the competition. Their gritty win over a strong Sesa FA side, despite playing the final half hour with 10 players, highlighted the team’s discipline, preparation and character.
