They lose 1-2 to Rajasthan United but qualify for the next round
Fatorda: Dempo Sports Club ended their Stage 1 campaign with a 1-2 defeat to Rajasthan United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday evening, but still secured qualification for the Championship Round of the Indian Football League 2025-26.
The result did not affect Dempo’s progression, as they finished sixth in the standings with nine points, ending above Aizawl FC to book their place in the next stage.
Head coach Samir Naik made one change to the starting XI, bringing in Ariston Costa in place of Darell Mascarenhas. Dempo struck first in the 22nd minute when Kapil Hoble’s pass into the box was flicked on by Nestor Dias and Marcus Joseph finished the move to give the hosts the lead. The remainder of the first half remained evenly contested, with Rajasthan United showing intent but Dempo holding firm defensively to go into the break ahead.
The visitors, however, turned the game around early in the second half. Gerard Artigas capitalised on a defensive lapse just a minute after the restart to equalise in the 46th minute before Thomyo Shimray’s delivery led to Ashish Sibi being beaten in the 57th minute as Rajasthan took the lead.
Dempo pushed for a late equaliser, with Richmond Owusu denied by a fine save from James Kithan, while Sebastian Gutierrez’s close-range header was also kept out as Rajasthan held on.
Despite the defeat, Dempo’s earlier results ensured qualification. The Golden Eagles finish Stage 1 with nine points and secure their place in the Championship Round.
