Dempo routs IAF 5-0, enters quarter-finals of Durand Cup

New Delhi, Nov 1 (UNI) Riding a brace each by Roberto Silva and Chidi Edeh, defending champions Dempo swamped unfancied Indian Air Force (IAF) 5-0 to advance into the quarter-finals of the 120th Osian's Durand Cup Football tournament here today.

Dempo scored through Ranty Martins(6), Chidi(45th, 75th), and Silva(21st, 71st).

It was a mismatch of a tie and Dempo, without India stars Mahesh Gawli, Climax Lawrence, Clifford Miranda and Samir Naik, were overwhelmingly superior and never in trouble throughout the match.

On the otherhand, IAF, who are the reigning Delhi league champions could not get a single clear look at the Dempo goal.

The action began as soon as the match started with Nigerian Chidi blasting a powerful right-footer from outside the box, but the IAF goalkeeper was equal to the task, punching away for a corner.

Ranty opened the account for Dempo from a Chidi spadework.

Chidi collected an Anthony Pereira pass inside the box and after getting the better of his marker, essayed a low cross for Ranty to blast home with the goalkeeper standing like a mute spectator.

Silva, who captained the team last year when his side emerged champions, made it 2-0 connecting a pass from Chidi who cut through the IAF defence before sending a flighted ball from near the right touchline for his Brazillian teammate to slam home with a scorching right-footed volley.

Dempo went up 3-0 at the stroke of half-time with Chidi finding the net. Silva initiated the move, sending defence splitting pass for Pereira who in turn gave it to an unmarked Chidi and the Nigerian side-stepped a defender before driving a low left-footer into the net.

After the resumption, there was no respite for the IAF defenders with several attempts coming from the Dempo forwards. Silva completed his brace in the 71st minute with Ranty sending a through pass for him to shoot home on the run.

Chidi rounded off the tally in the 85th minute heading home a Ranty cross from the right.

Dempo will play their quarter-final match on November 3.

UNI