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Dempo SC continued their unbeaten run and knocked Mumbai FC out of the tournament with a convincing 2-0 win and became the second team after Bengaluru FC to qualify for the semifinals of the Federation Cup football tournament, in Margao, Goa on Monday.
Dempo, who dominated the match, scored through Clifford Miranda (15th minute) and Romeo Fernandes (35th) to register the win in the Group A league match at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
Dempo, who is leading Group A with nine points from three matches, is the second team to qualify for the semifinals after Bengaluru FC who progressed from Group B.
Mumbai FC, who finished their league engagements with four points from four matches, are now out of the tournament.
Dempo rested few of their key players and once again played a fluid game as they dictated terms over their rivals with quick short passes and took the lead in the 15th minute.
Dempo continued to dominate the proceedings and increased their lead in the 35th minute.
Chhetri double strike takes Bengaluru FC to semifinals
Sunil Chhetri struck twice as Bengaluru FC beat Pune FC 2-1 in a Group B match to book a semi-final berth in Vasco, Goa.
Chhetri scored in the 43rd and added time of the first session (45+3) as Bengaluru FC controlled the proceedings throughout the match at Tilak Stadium.
Pune FC went all out in the last quarter of the match and reduced the margin in the 87th minute through Thongkhosiem Haokip.
Bengaluru FC finished on top of the group with 10 points to become the first team to make it to the semi-finals.
The second team for a semifinal spot from this group will be decided on January 7 when Salgaocar take on Pune FC.
Salgaocar (six points) are ahead of Pune FC by two points. The Goan outfit need a draw to make it to the semi-finals while Pune FC need a win.
Both the teams played a compact game and it was Chhetri who made all the difference in the dying minutes of the first half, scoring a couple of goals that sealed the match in Bengaluru FC's favour.