Marcus Joseph’s hat-trick secured Dempo SC’s I-League survival as they pulled further away from the relegation zone with a commanding 5-2 victory over Aizawl FC in the 2024-25 season. The result at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday dealt a major blow to Aizawl’s survival hopes.
The Trinidad and Tobago striker found the net in the 26th, 75th, and 90+6th minutes, while Pruthvesh Pednekar (5’) and Vinay Vijay Harji (78’) also got their names on the scoresheet. Aizawl FC, desperate for points, managed goals through Zothanpuia (34’) and Lalbiakdika (90+1’) but fell short against a clinical Dempo attack.
With this crucial win, Dempo SC climbed to a more secure position, sitting on 25 points from 20 matches. Meanwhile, Aizawl FC remain in a precarious spot with just 19 points from as many games, hovering above already-relegated Delhi FC. Sporting Club Bengaluru, with 20 points, also find themselves entangled in the relegation scrap.
Dempo wasted no time asserting their dominance as Pednekar opened the scoring within five minutes. Despite Aizawl briefly drawing level through Zothanpuia’s effort, Joseph’s sharp finishing ensured the hosts went into the break with a 2-1 lead. The second half saw Dempo ramp up the pressure, exploiting Aizawl’s defensive lapses.
Vinay’s goal in the 78th minute summed up the visitors’ nightmarish outing. Goalkeeper Rafique Ali Sardar’s poor clearance fell straight to the Dempo forward, who gleefully slotted it home. Joseph completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, sealing the resounding win.
Aizawl FC did show glimpses of promise, with Lalbiakdika pulling one back late on. They were also denied by the woodwork and squandered a couple of golden chances. But their frailties at the back proved costly as Dempo took full advantage.
For Dempo SC fans, this performance was a timely reminder of their attacking prowess. With safety in sight, the focus now shifts to finishing the season on a high. As for Aizawl, the battle for survival intensifies with just two games remaining — and no room for error.
