AIFF Media Team

MARGAO: Romeo Fernandes underlined why he has been the cynosure of all eyes in this edition’s Hero Federation Cup, scoring a superb solo goal to hold an impressive Royal Wahingdoh 1-1 in an inconsequential tie here at the Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.

The Hero Indian Super League star latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area to sidestep Loveday Okechukwu delicately and make space for himself before firing the ball into the far post with aplomb.

The goal made him part of the triumvirate of top-scorers along with Salgaocar’s Douhou Pierre and India and Bengaluru FC Captain Sunil Chhetri. Romeo also holds the record of scoring in all of Dempo’s four matches, the only player in the tournament to do so.

Earlier, Bekay Bawar gave the Shilong outfit the lead in the 36^th minute.

Dempo gaffer Arthur Papas effected eight chances to the team that beat another last-four entrant Sporting clube De Goa in their last match, including debut for 17-year old Vinit Rai in midfield. His counterpart Santosh Kashyap on the other hand played to full strength.