Dempo SC secured their return to the I-League after a gap of eight years, as a dominant second-half performance saw the Golden Eagles overcome Sudeva Delhi FC 3-1 in an I-League 2 clash at the Ela Ground, Old Goa on Saturday.
Coach Samir Naik was ecstatic with the promotion to I-League, as he masterminded a successful campaign this season following the failure to secure the promotion last year. “I-League, however, is not our destination. ISL is our destination and we will get there soon,” declared the former India and Dempo SC left-back. He also hailed the Dempo SC Development programme for producing players that helped the first-team achieve the I-League qualification. “Dempo team was made up of 80 per cent players from the Club’s development programme and graduates from Dempo academy,” stated Samir.
The match, where Dempo just needed a draw to earn qualification, started on a challenging note for the hosts as Sudeva took a surprise lead early in the first half through Ramesh Chetri’s header from a Seiminmang Manchong cross. Dempo struggled to break down a resolute Sudeva defence in the opening period and found themselves trailing at halftime.
However, the Goan side emerged from the break with renewed purpose. Shubham Rawat’s shot in the 47th minute was initially blocked, but the rebound fell kindly for Laximanrao Rane, who slotted home the equalizer.
The momentum shifted decisively in Dempo’s favor when Thiyam Chingkheinganba conceded a penalty for a hand ball inside the box in the 58th minute. Rahul Paswan stepped up and coolly converted from the spot to give Dempo the lead.
Saiesh Bagkar’s perfectly weighted lob in the 68th minute found Rawat, who displayed excellent composure to control the ball, feint a shot, and then fired it past the Sudeva goalkeeper to extend Dempo’s advantage.
Sudeva threatened a late fightback when Ashray Bhardwaj rattled the woodwork in the 73rd minute, but Dempo held firm to notch up a crucial 3-1 victory.
