Madgaon, March 8 (NationPress) Dempo Sports Club celebrated a triumphant evening at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, as they thoroughly defeated Sporting Club Bengaluru 8-1 during Round 18 of the I-League 2024-25.

The home team, leading 4-1 at halftime, boosted their points to 22 from 18 matches, while Bengaluru's tally remained at 17 from the same number of games.

A rapid succession of goals in the first 16 minutes effectively extinguished the competitive spirit of the match, with Dempo netting three goals in this short span. Despite Bengaluru's attempts to fight back, the outcome had already been predetermined.

Trinidadian striker Marcus Joseph was the star of the night, scoring a hat-trick (8’, 9’, 43’). Others who contributed to the scoreline included Seigoumang Doungel (16’), Spanish midfielder Juan Mera Gonzalez (49’, penalty), Argentinian Damian Perez Roa (77’), Kapil Hoble (87’), and Nigerian Lukman Abegunrin (88’). For the visitors, Henry Kisekka managed to find the net in the 23rd minute.

Joseph opened the scoring in the eighth minute, capitalizing on a brilliant through ball from Doungel. Just a minute later, Bengaluru's defensive blunder handed Joseph another opportunity to score, which he converted without hesitation against goalkeeper Yuya Kuriyama.

In the 16th minute, Kuriyama's reputation took a hit as Doungel easily scored. Although Kisekka responded for Bengaluru in the 23rd minute, Joseph completed his hat-trick by the 43rd minute, further extending the lead.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Bengaluru's shaky defense allowing Mera, Perez Roa, Hoble, and Abegunrin to add their names to the scoreboard.

Additionally, Shanid Valan from Sporting Club Bengaluru received a red card, compounding his team's difficulties.