Dempo Sports Club take on Diamond Harbour FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday evening in the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 Championship Round.
Diamond Harbour arrive at Fatorda as the most formidable side in the IFL this season, top of the table and closing in on the title. For Dempo, the final league encounter is about showing their home supporters exactly what this squad has built over the course of the campaign.
Head coach Samir Naik has had his squad working with purpose this week. Set pieces, both defending and attacking have been the focus of preparation and the coach is confident the squad will be ready.
“We have worked on our set-pieces and we will approach the game accordingly,” Naik said.
Naik reflected on a season that challenged this group from the very first matchweek and spoke with the quiet belief of a coach who has never once doubted his players. “We always believed we could do better and we still believe,” he said. “Today, we discussed that we have the potential, the capability and the capacity to overcome challenges. It was a very challenging season, not only for me but for other coaches too. The clubs, the coaches and the players had difficulties adjusting to everything.”
What this squad has produced through those difficulties tells a story, from the ninth place and winless in Stage 1, then back-to-back 3-0 wins, a Championship Round berth, a clean sheet in Shillong and a 1-0 win over Rajasthan United in Punjab. This has been a Dempo side that has refused to give up at every turn.
On team news, Naik confirmed the full squad is available with Richmond Owusu the only player absent.
Pruthvesh Pednekar has been one of the most dependable figures in this Dempo squad all season. The right-back has contributed throughout the campaign always available, always committed and always giving everything for the club he has represented for six years.
“I am with Dempo for almost six years, this is a good club in India and it is a good opportunity for me to represent them,” Pednekar said. “Now we are playing in the IFL and it is a good stage.”
On the mood in the squad ahead of Sunday outing, Pednekar was content. “Everyone is working hard in training and giving their best,” he said. “I am sure we are going to win tomorrow and get three points.”
Both Naik and Pednekar made a direct appeal to the Dempo faithful ahead of home fixture, urging supporters to come out in numbers and get behind the team. “It is a home match and we always want to see fans at the stadium,” Naik said. “Please come and cheer the team, push the team.”
With crowd support crucial at this stage of the season, Dempo supporters and well-wishers are encouraged to turn out in large numbers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday evening. Entry is free through Gate No. 8. The Kick-off at 6:30 PM IST.
