Mauricio Afonso: ‘Dempo will try to rejuvenate and come back’

The Dempo assistant coach was altruist in defeat, stating that conditions beyond his control were responsible for the team’s loss and vows to come back stronger.

Arthur Papas’ men flirted with the relegation zone after his side lost their final encounter before the winter break to top four side Shillong Lajong in a closely contested encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Shillong.

A Boithang Haokip free-kick settled the game which was heading for a draw until then, with goals from Milan Singh and Jeje Lalpekhuia putting the two sides on level terms. The loss, Dempo’s fifth in thirteen, leaves them just four points above the drop zone having played an additional game.

Speaking after the game Afonso revealed the reasons behind his team’s loss.

“We didn’t play that well. I’d like to say the climate did not suit us. Frankly speaking, the boys were suffering from cold and other forms of ailments. But, the game was good. We also had chances.

“The first goal was demoralizing. The penalty kick was converted well, but we came back strongly. The second goal was, all I can say, was a fluke goal. The goalkeeper should’ve saved it but I don’t know how he could have missed it,” revealed the Dempo coach.

“The attempt with the ball was good, a direct free-kick, from here to there, but beyond that, nothing. The game was good, the second half was played better by Shillong Lajong. Even we missed chances in the last few moments. We will try to rejuvenate and come back again after the break,” concluded the Dempo man.