Fatorda: Dempo SC will look to break their run of draws when they take on Sreenidi Deccan in an I-League fixture at the Fatorda Stadium, today.
The Golden Eagles are coming off back-to-back 2-2 stalemates, most recently against Shillong Lajong FC at home. Marcus Joseph found the net for the second straight game, handing Dempo the lead before halftime. The visitors, however, responded in the second half through Daniel Goncalves. Mohammed Ali then restored Dempo’s advantage, but a late equalizer from Goncalves denied them all three points.
Sreenidi Deccan, meanwhile, enter the contest on the back of a narrow 2-1 win over Rajasthan FC. Goals from Angel Orelien and David Munoz sealed the win, with Rajasthan pulling one back through Maicol Cabrera.
Reflecting on their previous outing, Dempo SC head coach Samir Naik remained upbeat despite the disappointment of conceding late.
“The boys played really well and gave their best on the field. Even though we conceded a silly goal in stoppage time, they are growing in confidence and gelling well together,” he said. The last time these two sides met, Dempo edged out Sreenidi Deccan 1-0 at the Deccan Arena, courtesy of an early penalty from Argentine forward Damian Perez. Looking ahead to today’s showdown, Naik expressed confidence in his squad.Kick-off at 4.30 p.m.
“The team is really strong. Deccan have some quality foreigners, but I feel we have a good chance of taking three points, especially at home. The boys are now used to these conditions and the ground. I trust every member of the team, so it doesn’t matter if any particular player is missing,” he stated.
Both teams are level on 19 points from 15 matches, but Sreenidi Deccan hold a slight edge in eighth place due to their superior goal difference, while Dempo sit ninth. A win for either side could prove crucial in the battle for a higher spot in the standings.
