IFL: Dempo secure first win of season against Shillong Lajong
Goa, 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 Goa on Tuesday.
Shillong Lajong enjoyed 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, as per a press release from IFL.
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 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 Sebastian Gutierrez both going close, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a neutral fan, this is a classic case of possession not meaning anything. Lajong had the ball but Dempo had the plan and the finishing. Very efficient performance from the Golden Eagles.
Shillong's goalkeeper had a really poor game. That second goal was a gift. You can't afford such mistakes at this level. Dempo fully deserved the three points, no question.
Good to see Kapil Hoble on the scoresheet! We need more Indian players stepping up like this. The foreign players are important, but the league grows when our domestic talent shines.
Respectfully, while it's a good win, the article glosses over Dempo's lack of chances from open play in the second half. Two goals from defensive errors and a penalty. The result is great, but the performance still needs work to challenge the top teams.
Bagkar was involved in two goals! Our full-backs providing that width and delivery is so crucial. Samir Naik seems to have found a better balance in the team. Onwards and upwards!
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