Dempo Sports Club beat JCT 1-0 in the opening round of the 9th National Football League at the Nehru stadium in Margao on Sunday.

The all-important goal was scored in the 63rd minute by Riston Rodrigues.

The Dempo players, who were mourning the tragic death of Brazilian striker Cristiano Junior, wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

The Goans controlled the proceedings and had more of ball possession in the first half which was mostly confined to the midfield as both the teams failed to take proper shot on goal. Though Dempo created more openings they were kept at bay by the JCT defenders.

Changing ends, Dempo continued their dominance and after missing a close chance, took the lead when Rodrigues' 30-yard-shot off a pass from man-of-the-match Jose Colaco found the net.

Dempo could have increased the lead soon but first Colaco failed to guide the ball home and later R C Prakash missed a similar good chance.

JCT threatened with their quick counter attacks and came close to finding the equaliser more than once. But their star substitute Manjit Singh failed with his finish on both occasions.

First his shot was deflected away by defender Valerino Rebello and later Manjit messed up an open chance when he had only the 'keeper to beat.