They aim for revival against Shillong Lajong FC at Fatorda today
Ella: Dempo Sports Club will face Shillong Lajong FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda today in their Matchweek 7 clash of the Indian Football League. With three Stage 1 fixtures remaining, Dempo enter the game with renewed focus and a full squad at their disposal.
Head Coach Samir Naik has been consistent in his messaging throughout the season: while performances have been solid, the results have not always gone their way.
Against Namdhari FC last week, Dempo generated nearly a dozen scoring opportunities but were thwarted by a mix of poor finishing and a resilient opposing goalkeeper.
“The good thing is that the team is creating as many chances as we can,” Naik said ahead of Tuesday’s fixture. “In the last game there were around five or six open chances and around five or six 50-50 chances. If we score a goal in the early stages of the game, I feel we have a very good chance.”
For Naik, belief in the squad has never faltered, and he is confident that a single positive result can transform Dempo’s season. “There is positivity in the dressing room,” he said. “The league is very unpredictable and you can see things changing very rapidly. One win will put us in a better place.”
Regarding team fitness, Naik confirmed a fully fit squad ahead of the fixture. “There are no injury concerns. Two players who had niggles have recovered and trained today. I have a full squad available,” he said.
With the season reaching a pivotal stage, Naik also appealed to fans to support the team at Fatorda. “Please come and cheer for Dempo Sports Club, there is a lot to achieve for this team,” he said. “The players need the backing of our supporters right now.”
Defensive midfielder Amay Morajkar, one of the local talents, acknowledged the disappointment of the Namdhari draw but remained focused on the upcoming game. “We were upset because we couldn’t get three points,” Morajkar said. “But for tomorrow we are really well prepared and we are looking for a positive outcome and three points.”
