Having won the Federation Cup a few months earlier, Dempo stamped its authority as the best club in the country by winning the NFL on the final day. Sporting Clube de Goa and East Bengal were in contention but Dempo eventually had the last laugh. A loss against East Bengal in the 18th round pegged them back but the Golden Eagles rallied by winning the last four rounds. Ranti Martins was Dempo’s hero, scoring 15 goals, over half the team’s tally of 28.
