Mahindra, Dempo draw goalless

Mumbai outfit Mahindra United wasted many scoring opportunities and were forced to settle for a goalless draw with a ten-strong Dempo, Goa, in their opening match of the Under-19 National Football League in Mapusa, Goa, on Wednesday.

Mahindras, who held more ball possession and midfield superiority, had two scoring chances midway into the
first-half but Agnelo Francis's long ranger was collected by Dempo 'keeper Rosebu Deniz. Later Shanwaz Ansari shot over from inside the box.

Dempo came close to scoring in the 30th minute when a curling shot from Senel Fernadnes, off a flag-kick, was collected by Mahindra 'keeper Rajesh Bangera.

Dempo were reduced to ten men fifteen minutes after the breather when Clifton Gonsalves received a second yellow from referee K Ravindran of Kerala but Mahindra failed to exploit the numerical advantage.

Fazal Martin led the Dempo defence from the front. Keeper Deniz also made two good saves to deny Mahindra three points.

Tomorrow: Churchill Bros vs Salgaocar.