JCT down defending champions Dempo

Dempo dominated but could only reduce the margin through substitute Nicolau Borges. The defending champions started in right earnest, probing the rivals mostly from the left. They could have taken an early lead in the fourth minute when Ranty Martins drove Roberto Mendes Silva’s pass wide. A minute later, Anthony Pereira drove the ball straight to Karanjit.

JCT took lead in the 16th minute against the run of the game following a counterattack. Daljit Singh worked his way on the right and sent a cross to Eduardo inside the box, who chested the ball before uncorking a low shot to the far corner of the net. Dempo pressed hard for the equaliser but, in the process, left their defence exposed and the gap was exploited by JCT, who went 2-0 up in the 64th minute. Baljit Sahni sent a through pass to an unmarked Balwant, who raced into the box and placed the ball in. Dempo upped the tempo and finally reduced the margin in the 78th minute when Silva sent a cross to substitute Borges inside the box, who sent a low drive past Karanjit.