FC Goa’s Australian forward Tolgay Özbey scored a brace in the semi-final and one goal in the final as Dempo SC emerged runners-up in the Hero Federation Cup. Bengaluru FC were crowned champions on the January 11 as they beat Goa-based team 2-1 in the final played out at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.Earlier, Dempo faced local rivals Salgaocar in a much-anticipated semi-final clash that took place on January 9 at Fatorda itself where they won 2-0 thanks to a brace from Özbey on either sides of the half. The former Sydney FC striker put his side ahead in the 12th minute from a deflection. He was a threat throughout the first half and was rewarded with a penalty as he was brought down in the box after receiving a wonderful ball from Romeo Fernandes (FC Goa). Özbey buried the ball into the bottom right corner against Salgaocar goalkeeper Subrata Paul (Mumbai City FC).Salgaocar could have conceded another three goals if not for Paul who made some wonderful blocks in the final minutes of the game. India’s number one made a good save against Mandar Rao Desai (FC Goa) making himself look big and a couple of other saves from Jewel Raja’s (FC Goa) long ranger as well as a point blank save from Holicharan Narzary (FC Goa).Bengaluru FC beat Sporting Clube de Goa 3-0 in a comprehensive semi-final victory to set up a final clash against Dempo. The final saw India captain Sunil Chettri putting Bengaluru ahead in just 10 minutes. But Özbey pulled one back for the Goan side in the first half of stoppage time. Zohib Amiri (FC Goa) was brought down in the box and the Aussie stepped up to dispatch the penalty into the net. Dempo lost the game eventually as Robin Singh took advantage of a 10-man Dempo who had lost a player due to a red card.Özbey finished joint top scorer alongside Sunil Chettri as the Hero Federation Cup came to a close.
