Staff Reporter
Utorda
Dempo Sports Club began their Dream Sports Championship Football 2025 campaign with a 0-2 defeat to Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC in their opening group stage match held at the Utorda ground.
Despite a strong start and a determined performance, the young Golden Eagles were unable to find the net, as Chennaiyin FC capitalized on their chances to secure a winning start to their campaign. Dempo SC held firm in the first half, keeping their fancied opponents at bay with a solid defensive display. But the resistance broke down early in the second half when Chennaiyin’s Muhammed Sahir found space and fired home in the 47th minute to give his side the lead. Dempo pushed forward in search of an equalizer, with some promising spells in attack, but were unable to breach the Chennaiyin defence. Their hopes were finally dashed in the 87th minute, when Abinash Singh doubled the lead, sealing the three points for the ISL side.
In the other morning game, Mohun Bagan Super Giants also opened with a win, defeating RFYC 2-0 at Benaulim.