I-League: Dempo, SC Bengaluru look for a turnaround

Panaji: It has not been smooth sailing for Dempo SC and Sporting Clube Bengaluru after their promotion to the I-League this season.
Things have not gone their way with five rounds left to be played. Dempo are ninth on the table with 19 points from 17 games while Bengaluru are right behind them on 17 points.
Both are now looking for a turnaround as they face off at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.
Dempo, the five-time national champions, are without a win in their last four games. They come into the fixture after a hard-fought 1-2 defeat against bottom-placed Delhi FC (13 pts).
“We always approach any game with a winning mentality. Lately, things didn’t go our way and now we are in this situation,” Dempo coach Samir Naik told TOI during the pre-match media interaction on Friday.
Dempo’s last win was a 2-0 victory over title challengers Inter Kashi FC and Samir knows his side can make a comeback.
Dempo have most of their players available for the game. Trinidadian Marcus Joseph has scored in four straight games since joining the club midway into the season.
However, Bengaluru have the psychological edge, having defeated Dempo 1-3 in the first leg.
“In the I-league, all teams are capable of winning. Results didn’t go their way, so they are struggling a bit. But all are equal, and everyone stands a chance,” said Samir.
Dempo have been challenging Bengaluru from last season, right from the Third and Second Division. They qualified together this season in the I-League after Bengaluru won the Second Division and Dempo emerged runnersup.
“We have known each other very well since last season. They are not easy opponents and come very hard. We should take advantage of what happened in the first leg. They have good strength now after new signings, but we have planned and should win this game,” said Bengaluru coach Chandrashekar Rao Chinta.
Bengaluru suffered a 1-2 defeat at home to Aizawl FC, while they earlier managed a 2-0 win against Shillong Lajong FC and held Inter Kashi to a goalless draw.
“The boys have really worked hard and bounced back really well. This game is more important than the last one so that we can be safe from relegation,” said Chandrashekar.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's Day wishes, messages and quotes !