Ozbey brace helps Dempo enter Fed Cup fil

Margao, Jan 9: Dempo SC rode on Australian striker Tolgay Ozbey’s brace to march into the fils of the Federation Cup football tourment after beating local rivals Salgaocar FC 2–0 in the first semi–fil here on Friday.

Ozbey scored in both halves, with his first coming from a deflection and the second of a spot–kick. Salgaocar got their best chance in the second half through Ivory Coast striker Douhou Pierre but the former Pune FC man failed to score.

Salgaocar missed their injured Scottish striker Darryl Duffy. His replacement Brian Mascarenhas found the shoe too big to fill.

Ozbey opened the scoring in the 12th minute when his shot was deflected off defender Francis Ferndez into the Salgaocar net. Salgaocar only maged shot from Rosario Mendes in the initial stages of the match.

The change of ends did not however bring a change in fortunes as Dempo continued their domince and doubled their lead in the 58th minute.

Ozbey who was brought down by an onrushing Salgaocar custodian Subrata Paul after mecingly rushing into the box and the Australian Ozbey stepped up to take the spot– kick and converted it calmly.

Salgaocar’s intent of getting back into the match was evident, but didn’t failed to construct enough quality attempts to threaten Dempo.

They were vulnerable at the back and an alert Paul saved saved them from further agony.

Dempo would face the winner of the The second semi–fil between Bengaluru FC and Sporting Clube de Goa. IANS