They take on Inter Kashi at Fatorda Stadium today at 3.30 p.m.
Panaji: Dempo SC are ready to make their presence felt as they host Inter Kashi at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, today. It’s the same hallowed ground where they first began their home dominance in the I-League, a place where history has been written time and again. The stadium is where Dempo’s league-winning story unfolded, their fortress, their pride.
Fatorda was the launchpad for Dempo’s greatest triumphs, including their unforgettable qualification for the AFC Cup – the first Goan club to reach those heights. Their incredible journey in the 2007 AFC Cup, where they fought hard to reach the group stages, remains one of the most remarkable feats in South Asian football. And who could forget that iconic 2004 Federation Cup final at Fatorda, when Dempo toppled East Bengal 2-1 to claim another piece of history.
Reflecting on the significance of this venue, Coach Samir shared his emotions, “It will be a very emotional moment, personally for me. Because, in fact, in the morning, in the team talk, I have spoken about this. It will be very emotional for me to go there as a coach. Because we have dominated on this ground for the last decade, maybe, or maybe 15 years, you can say. The teams used to get scared of us. And the ground itself helped us. So, the PJN Stadium, the Fatorda Stadium, the ground knows Dempo’s. So, hopefully, everything will work according to our plan. So, it is very emotional for me, actually, personally. And for fans also, because they want to see Dempo’s playing at Fatorda regularly against the bigger clubs in the bigger leagues.”
He further added a message to fans, urging them to back the team, “It will be great for fans to be there and create an atmosphere that reminds everyone of Dempo’s golden days. We need their energy and support to make Fatorda our fortress once again,” he stated.
Fast forward to today, Dempo SC come into this match with new ambitions and the hunger to make amends after a tough 0-2 loss to Churchill Brothers at Raia Ground. Sitting sixth in the table with 10 points from six matches, they know the importance of a win at home. With three wins, one draw, and two losses, they are poised to get back on track and reaffirm their place at the top.
Coach Samir also spoke about the team’s mindset heading into the clash, “I feel that the boys are ready for the challenges. We have a very long way to go. There will be many ups and downs. But in each match, we will take it as a challenge. And I feel that we are ready for this game.”
Meanwhile, Inter Kashi arrive full of confidence after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sreenidi Deccan. An own goal from Deccan’s David Munoz, a coolly converted penalty by Mairo Barco, and a stoppage-time strike from Joni Kauko sealed the win.
