His lone strike hands them a 1-0 win, dents Rajasthan United’s title hopes
Panaji: Dempo SC ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rajasthan United in their India Football League clash on Friday, with Seigoumang Doungel striking the decisive goal.
Facing a Rajasthan side desperate for points, Dempo were tested early as the hosts dominated possession and applied sustained pressure. Goalkeeper Ashish Sibi stood tall from the outset, producing a series of sharp saves to keep his side in the contest.
The Golden Eagles weathered the storm through a disciplined defensive display, with Aubin Kouakou and Jose Moreno marshalling the backline effectively.
Despite limited openings, Dempo began to grow into the game towards the end of the first half.
Doungel came close in the 35th minute, only to see his effort hit the woodwork and ruled offside, while Sebastian Gutierrez and Marcus Joseph were also denied.The breakthrough arrived in the 60th minute when Vieri Colaco delivered a precise cross into the box, and Doungel timed his run perfectly to finish at the far post.
The hosts threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, coming closest in the 79th minute, but Dempo’s defence held firm under pressure. Sibi then produced a stunning save deep into stoppage time, diving full stretch to deny Gerard Artigas’ powerful header and seal the win.
