Staff Reporter
Fatorda
Dempo SC were left heartbroken at the death as a stoppage-time strike from Daniel Goncalves denied them a crucial win in the I-League 2024-25, with Shillong Lajong forcing a 2-2 draw at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday. Despite a strong performance and twice taking the lead, Dempo had to settle for a point, slipping to ninth place with 19 points from 15 matches.
The Golden Eagles took control in the first half, with Marcus Leric Jr. Joseph making his presence felt early. The striker had a golden chance in the sixth minute, breaking through on goal after a well-placed lofted pass. However, Lajong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar produced a fine save to deny him. But Joseph wouldn’t be kept quiet for long. In the 39th minute, Knerkitalang Buam’s low cross from the right caused chaos in the box. Seigoumang Doungle’s first-time shot was parried by Sarkar, but Joseph reacted quickest to tap home the rebound, putting Dempo ahead at the break.
Shillong came out fighting in the second half, and just two minutes after the restart, Goncalves restored parity, rising highest in the box to head past Luis Barreto. But Dempo responded like true contenders, reclaiming the lead in the 52nd minute. A set-piece routine saw Marcus Joseph force a save from Sarkar, with the ball bouncing off the post. Skipper Mohamed Ali was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound to send the home fans into celebration.
Dempo looked on course for three points, with Joseph nearly adding a third in the 84th minute, only to be denied by Sarkar once again. But just when it seemed the Golden Eagles would walk away victorious, Shillong Lajong delivered a gut punch in the 97th minute. A cross from Kenstar Kharshong found Hardy Cliff Nongbri, who chested the ball down perfectly for Goncalves to tap in the equaliser, snatching victory away from Dempo at the last
moment.
