They suffer 1-3 defeat against ten-men Sreenidi Deccan FC
Panaji: Dempo SC suffered a 1-3 defeat against Sreenidi Deccan FC to continue their wait for win in the Indian Football League (IFL) at the Deccan Arena, Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Head coach Samir Naik made four changes to the starting XI, bringing in Ariston Costa, Richmond Owusu, Mohamed Ali and Kapil Hoble in place of Amay Morajkar, Marcus Joseph, Arnold Oliveira and Sebastian Gutierrez.
Sreenidi Deccan FC took an early lead through R Lalbiakliana, putting Dempo under pressure. However, Dempo responded with composure and grew into the contest. Goalkeeper Ashish Sibi produced two sharp saves to deny David Castaneda and keep Dempo in the game.
Sreenidi Deccan FC doubled their lead in the 28th minute through Hadi Idrissou, but Dempo remained organised heading into the break.
Dempo improved after the restart and reduced the deficit in the 60th minute when Knerkitalang Buam delivered a precise ball into the box for Richmond Owusu to score. The momentum shifted further when Sreenidi Deccan FC were reduced to ten men following Lalromawia’s dismissal.
Dempo pushed forward with intent during this phase, but Sreenidi Deccan FC struck again in the 70th minute through Fabrice Nkwoh to restore their advantage.
Despite the defeat, Dempo SC will prepare to face Namdhari SC on April 2 at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa.
