Dempo SC's IFL Campaign Starts with Frustrating 2-2 Draw Against Real Kashmir
Dempo Sports Club experienced a mix of encouragement and disappointment as they kicked off their Indian Football League (IFL) season with a 2-2 draw against Real Kashmir FC at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday. The home side, aiming for a winning start, twice took the lead but ultimately settled for a single point due to critical finishing lapses in a match that saw fortunes swing dramatically.
A Tale of Missed Opportunities and Swift Responses
The match unfolded with intense back-and-forth action. Real Kashmir struck first in first-half added time when captain Mohammad Inam delivered a stunning goal, collecting a pass from Shedrack Charles and curling a shot into the top corner. Dempo responded immediately, as Marcus Joseph calmly converted a penalty won by Richmond Owusu, who was fouled by goalkeeper Sayad Kadir.
In the second half, Dempo gained the advantage when Aubin Kouakou headed home a superb free-kick from Sebastian Gutierrez. However, the lead lasted barely a minute, as a defensive error allowed Shedrack Charles to capitalize and equalize for Kashmir with a clinical finish.
Key Performances and Concerns for Dempo
Dempo's foreign signings were under scrutiny. Aubin Kouakou and Sebastian Gutierrez, both instrumental for Churchill Brothers last season, drove the team's attacks, while Marcus Joseph led the frontline alongside Richmond Owusu. Owusu provided a strong aerial presence and won the penalty, but his finishing lacked sharpness, a concern for a club with title ambitions. Gutierrez, who joined late and lacked match fitness, saw two attempts from outside the box fall short in power and precision.
The dropped points at home are particularly worrying in a truncated league format, though Dempo can take heart from competing well against a sturdy Real Kashmir side. The performance suggests they remain among the league's contenders.
Injury Scare and Kashmir's Resilience
The match was halted for seven minutes in the first half after Dempo captain Ariston Costa was elbowed off the ball by Sanatomba Singh and struggled to sit up. An ambulance was called, but Costa was treated on the field and avoided hospitalization, a relief for the team.
Coached by former Dempo player Ishfaq Ahmed, Real Kashmir showed promise and were unsatisfied with just a point, pushing aggressively until the final whistle. Their quick counterattacks and defensive solidity made them a tricky opponent, highlighting the competitive nature of the IFL this season.
