They blank Shillong Lajong FC 3-0; Joseph, Owusu dazzle with one goal each
Fatorda: Dempo SC produced their most complete performance of the Indian Football League so far, cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over Shillong Lajong FC. The Golden Eagles were clinical, disciplined, and relentless in a statement win that will boost confidence across the division.
Head Coach Samir Naik retained an unchanged lineup, a show of faith that paid dividends as the squad delivered its finest display of the season.
Dempo dominated from the first whistle. Richmond Owusu threatened early, linking well with Marcus Joseph, whose sharp pass tested Lajong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai. The breakthrough came soon after, with Joseph collecting the ball inside the area and calmly slotting it into the net to give Dempo a deserved lead. Joseph continued to trouble the Lajong defence, keeping Rymbai busy throughout the first half.
Shillong Lajong offered a brief scare midway when Ashish Sibi was caught off his line, but Aubin Kouakou read the situation perfectly, making a crucial tackle. Later, a precise cross from Saiesh Bagkar was parried by Rymbai only for Lajong defender Saveme Tariang to turn the ball into his own net, doubling Dempo’s advantage. Sibi denied Phrangki Buam’s header late in the half, preserving Dempo’s clean sheet at the break.
The second half saw more dominance from Dempo. Rymbai was shown a yellow card after fouling Saiesh Bagkar in the penalty area, and Richmond Owusu stepped up to convert the spot kick with composure, making it 3-0 and putting the game firmly beyond reach.
Dempo continued to press for more, with Damian Perez coming close and Sebastian Gutierrez testing Rymbai with a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar. The Golden Eagles refused to ease off until the final whistle, marking their first win of the tournament in emphatic fashion.
