NewKerala.com

Dempo SC Soars to First IFL Win, Beats Shillong Lajong 3-0

Dempo Sports Club claimed their first victory of the IFL 2025-26 season with a decisive 3-0 win over Shillong Lajong. Marcus Joseph opened the scoring early with a sharp finish, and Kapil Hoble doubled the lead from a defensive error. Richmond Kwasi Owusu sealed the result by converting a second-half penalty. Despite having more possession, Shillong Lajong failed to create clear chances and were unable to breach Dempo's disciplined defense.

Key Points: Dempo SC 3-0 Shillong Lajong: First IFL 2025-26 Win

  • First season win for Dempo SC
  • Marcus Joseph opens scoring
  • Kapil Hoble capitalizes on error
  • Richmond Kwasi Owusu scores penalty
  • Shillong Lajong held scoreless
2 min read

IFL 2025-26: Dempo secure first win of the season against Shillong Lajong

Dempo SC secures a 3-0 victory over Shillong Lajong FC in the IFL, with goals from Joseph, Hoble, and Owusu for their first win of the season.

"The breakthrough came in the sixth minute when Marcus Joseph... fired a left-footed strike into the net. - Match Report"

Fatorda, April 7

Goals from Marcus Joseph, Kapil Hoble, and Richmond Kwasi Owusu helped Dempo Sports Club register their first win of the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 season with a comfortable 3-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Tuesday.

Shillong Lajong enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the game but struggled to convert it into clear chances, as Dempo maintained a disciplined defensive shape. The result marked Dempo SC's first win of the season, taking them to six points, while Birendra Thapa's side remained fourth with 11 points.

Samir Naik's side started on the front foot and tested the Shillong defence early. The breakthrough came in the sixth minute when Marcus Joseph collected a ball after it was put in the air by Lajong defender Rudra Ved on the edge of the box, controlling it well before firing a left-footed strike into the net to give Dempo the lead.

The Golden Eagles doubled their advantage in the 24th minute following a cross from left back Saiesh Bagkar. A moment of hesitation from goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai allowed the ball to deflect off Kapil Hoble and into the net, making it 2-0.

Shillong attempted to respond before the break, with Phrangki Buam coming closest, but his header was tipped over the bar by Ashish Sibi as Dempo went into half-time with a comfortable lead.

Dempo continued their momentum after the restart and were awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute after Rymbai brought down Bagkar inside the box. Richmond Kwasi Owusu stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 55th minute to extend the lead to 3-0.

Shillong Lajong pushed forward in search of a consolation goal, creating a few half-chances through substitutes and set-pieces, but lacked the finishing touch in the final third.

Dempo had opportunities to add to their tally in the closing stages, with substitute Cristian Damian Perez and Sebastián Gutiérrez both going close, but the scoreline remained unchanged.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's concerning that Shillong had so much possession but zero goals. Indian clubs really need to work on converting dominance into results. Dempo's defense was solid, but Lajong's attack was toothless.
A
Ananya R
Kapil Hoble scoring is great to see! We need more Indian players finding the net alongside the foreign recruits. Hope this win is the start of a good run for the Golden Eagles. Jai Dempo!
V
Vikram M
Shillong's goalkeeper had a nightmare. That second goal was a gift. You can't make such errors at this level. Dempo fully deserved the three points, they were clinical.
M
Michael C
Good to see Dempo back on track. The IFL needs its traditional clubs like Dempo to be competitive. Makes the league more interesting. That penalty was well-taken by Owusu.
P
Priya S
Respectfully, while it's a good win, the article highlights Dempo's chances late on. They should have scored 4 or 5. Need to be more ruthless in front of goal against stronger teams. But a clean sheet is always positive!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50