Dempo Sports Club exploited the shaky rival defence scoring a 3-1 win over Lebanon’s Al Ansar in the opening group match of the AFC Cup at the Nehru stadium here on Tuesday.

Dempo scored through Nigerians Ranty Martins (20th, 31st) and Edeh Chidi (61st). Al Ansar pulled one back in the 89th minute through Hassan Danach.

Al Ansar had two chances to score but Dempo keeper Abhijit Mondal brought off good saves to deny Fadi Ghosson. Dempo concentrated more on defending their citadel and played with long balls. They took the lead in the 20th minute, taking advantage of the shaky rival defence.

Roberto Silva, from the right, split the defence with a long pass for Ranty Martins who controlled the ball, took  few steps and essayed a powerful shot that found the net.

Dempo’s added pressure left gaps in the Al Ansar defence and Martins punished them with a goal in the 31st minute. Nicolau Borges sent a cross from the left to Martins into the box. The latter chested the ball, went past one  defender and placed the ball to beat the goalkeeper Larry Mehanna, who was out of position.

After the break, Dempo swelled the lead in the 61st minute. A combined move between Martins and Edeh Chidi saw Chidi getting the better of the rival defence before unleashing a powerful drive.