Shaher Shaheen finds equaliser to help Golden Eagles break losing streak with gritty 1-1 draw
Jaipur: Dempo SC rang in the New Year with a determined 1-1 draw against Rajasthan United in their I-League clash at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium on Sunday, snapping a three-match losing streak and earning their first points of 2025.
The first half saw little action until the 31st minute, when a rare lapse from Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi handed Rajasthan the lead. Under pressure from Naoba Meitei, Sibi spilled Alain Oyarzun’s cross into the path of Gerard Artigas, who made no mistake from close range.
Sibi, however, redeemed himself in style just minutes later. After a penalty was awarded for a handball in the Dempo box, Oyarzun stepped up to double Rajasthan’s lead. But Sibi guessed correctly, diving low to his right to produce a brilliant save and keep Dempo in the game.
The second half was a different story, as Dempo grew in confidence and began to dictate proceedings. Both goalkeepers showcased their skills, but it was the Golden Eagles who found the breakthrough in the 76th minute. Shaher Shaheen latched onto a Pruthvesh Pednekar header at the far post, calmly slotting home the equalizer.
