May 27, 2003 20:33 IST
A 73rd minute goal by Clinton D'Souza helped Dempo beat Churchill Brothers 1-0 in their last Group 'A' fixture in the Under-19 National Football League at the Duler ground in Mapusa, Goa, on Tuesday.
After a listless first-half, Dempo got the all-important goal when D'Souza beat the off-side trap, cut past keeper Agnelo Martins and bulged the netr.
Churchill, who dominated the second-half, had better scoring chances, but Kingsley D'Costa and Roger Rodrigues failed to find the target. Dempo 'keeper Rosebud Diniz also effected a good save off Godwin Franco's free-kick.
Dempo, who completed their league engagements with 10 points, topped Group 'A' and will meet East Bengal in the semi-finals at the same venue on May 31.
The other semi-final, between either Mahindra United or Salgaocar against JCT, will be played at the Nehru stadium, in Fatorda, Goa, on the same day.
Mahindra, who play Salgaocar on May 29, need a victory to make the semi-finals, while Salgaocar need a draw.
Complete Coverage: National Football League (under 19) 2002-2003
