IFL: 10-man Chanmari hold firm to share spoils with Dempo

Panaji: Dempo SC had reasons to believe their search for first win in the Indian Football League (IFL) would end in Aizawl, but the former five-time champions had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Chanmari at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Thursday.

After a loss against Diamond Harbour in the previous game and a draw in the opener, Dempo headed to Aizawl with some optimism. It were the hosts, however, who took an early lead through Suangaihmuna’s header and they doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute when Malsawmsanga finished a well-worked move from close range.

Dempo pulled one back just before half-time as Marcus Joseph set up Sebastián Gutiérrez in the 45th minute. In the second half, Chanmari were reduced to ten men in the 69th minute after Malsawmsanga Renthlei was shown a red card. The visitors capitalised on the advantage with Marcus scoring the equaliser, nine before the end of regulation time.

But despite having a numerical advantage, and some time on hand, the five-time national league champions could not secure the winner.

The point took Chanmari to the top of the table with five points, while Dempo climbed to eighth with two points.

Chanmari breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute when midfielder Christopher Kamei curled a free-kick that struck the post and ricochet into play. Striker Suangaihmuna reacted quickest and headed the rebound into the net to give his side the lead.

After missing a couple of chances, Chanmari doubled their advantage through a slick team move. Suangaihmuna released Kamei down the left flank, and the midfielder delivered a low cross into the centre where Malsawmsanga arrived to tap home.

Dempo, however, responded just before half-time.

In the final minute of regulation play, the Chanmari defence failed to clear a dangerous cross and the ball fell to Dempo midfielder Gutiérrez. The Colombian combined with Marcus, who laid the ball back for the striker to fire a low shot past the outstretched legs of the goalkeeper.

In the second half, Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi made a couple of crucial saves in the opening five minutes of the second half to deny Malsawmsanga and Jota and keep his side in the hunt.

The momentum of the match shifted in the 69th minute when Chanmari’s Malsawmsanga Renthlei was shown a red card for denying a potential goal-scoring opportunity, reducing the hosts to ten men.

Sensing an opportunity, Dempo pushed forward in search of an equaliser and equalised. Marcus won possession high up the pitch and unleashed a powerful shot towards the near post.

The closing stages saw Dempo push for a winner. Despite the visitors throwing men forward in the final minutes, Chanmari held firm defensively.