Dempo go down to Chanmari

Panaji: Dempo SC went down 0-2 against Chanmari FC in the Indian Football League championship round clash at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl, on Saturday.

Lalruatsanga and Jota scored a goal each for the home side.

The win helped Chanmari move to fifth place in the standings, above Dempo, with 14 points from 11 games. Dempo are on 13 points.

Dempo coach Samir Naik was encouraged after their first away win in the last game where they edged past Rajasthan FC 1-0. Not surprisingly he did not make any change to the starting lineup against Chanmari.

The ball was mostly restricted to the midfield in the opening minutes. Dempo’s Sebastian Gutierrez and Saiesh Bagkar had opportunities from set pieces but lacked precision.

Chanmari broke the deadlock just before the break as Lalruatsanga’s close-range effort slipped through the gloves of Ashish Sibi.

Dempo were determined to make amends in the second half. Gutierrez came close but his effort went wide.

As the match progressed, Dempo gained advantage when Aron Vanlalrinchhana picked up a second yellow card for a late challenge and was sent off.

With the numerical advantage, Dempo should have found the equaliser but Chanmari’s defence remained organised and resolute.

In added time, Chanmari scored their second on the counter through Jota, who finished from an acute angle.

Dempo return to Fatorda as they host league leaders Diamond Harbour FC on May 17.