MARGAO: Salgaocar made a poor start to their title-defence going down 0-1 to arch-rivals Dempo in the opening game of I-League football at the Nehru Stadium on Saturday.
Dempo struck through Nigerian Ranti Martins in the second half to pick up three points from the match.
Martins scored in the 80th minute after a through ball from Joaquim Abranches and slot it past Karanjit Singh to spark the celebrations among Dempo fans.
Defending champions Salgaocar lacked the penetrating power in the opening encounter. (Agencies)