Staff Reporter
Fatorda
A resilient Dempo SC fought back late to secure a 2-2 draw against high-flying Namdhari FC in their I-League clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday. New signing Marcus Joseph made an instant impact, scoring a dramatic late equalizer to ensure the Golden Eagles walked away with a hard-earned point.
Dempo were the dominant side in the first half, taking control of possession and dictating the tempo under the guidance of head coach Samir Naik. Their attacking intent paid off just before halftime when Seigoumang Doungel capitalized on a pinpoint cross from Pruthvesh Pednekar to head home the opener, giving the hosts a well-deserved lead at the break.
However, Namdhari came out with renewed energy in the second half, making tactical changes that swung the momentum in their favor. Dempo’s backline found themselves under increasing pressure, and in the 65th minute, substitute Akashdeep Singh curled a stunning strike into the top corner to level the score. The visitors continued to push forward, and their persistence was rewarded in the 83rd minute when Cledson Carvalho Dasilva broke through Dempo’s high defensive line and nodded in his ninth goal of the season to put Namdhari in front.
Just when it seemed Dempo would leave empty-handed, Joseph stepped up in the 87th minute with a moment of brilliance. The Trinidadian forward controlled a long ball with finesse, rounded Namdhari goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh, and slotted home past two desperate defenders, sending the home crowd into raptures.
The result sees Dempo remain in eighth place with 18 points from 14 matches, but the fighting spirit on display, coupled with Joseph’s impactful debut, offers plenty of optimism as they look to climb the table in the coming
weeks.
