IFL: Dempo eager for first win as unbeaten Chanmari lie in wait

Panaji: Dempo SC have not had an ideal start to their campaign in the Indian Football League (IFL), but the five-time national champions are confident they can turn things around against newcomers Chanmari FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl, on Thursday.

In an unusual season, marred by delays, Dempo secured a 2-2 draw at home against Real Kashmir FC and recently lost 1-2 against Diamond Harbour FC in Kolkata.

They have three more away fixtures that will test their resolve before they return to play four back-to-back home games.

Most of the club’s foreign signings arrived late, just days before their first game, while Argentinian Damian Perez landed in Goa only on Tuesday after facing visa issues.

“We can’t give this as an excuse, but, yes, foreigners have arrived late,” Dempo head coach Samir Naik told TOI during the pre-match media interaction on Wednesday. “It’s always good to have foreigners at least four weeks (before the campaign starts), so they can get along and I can work on their conditioning.”

Dempo are keen to win the league title and return to the top tier of Indian football. These are still early days in the season, but worryingly the team does not have a win yet and are placed eighth in the 10-team league.

“It would have been better if the foreign players had come two weeks before we started the league. But it was challenging for the club also because there were uncertainties surrounding the league. This is very challenging as a team, as a coach, as a club. I feel AIFF should have done better in organising the league,” said Samir.

While the coach admitted they need to be more clinical upfront, the former international was concerned about his team conceding four goals in two games.

Trinidad and Tobago striker Marcus Joseph has scored two of their three goals so far and Samir feels others have the capability to add their names to the scorers list.

“Our players have a strong mentality and that is how it should be. My team is mentally very strong,” said Samir.

Dempo are searching for their first win, while Chanmari are undefeated after defeating Sreenidi Deccan 2-1 in their last game and holding two-time champions Gokulam Kerala goalless in the opening round.

“The situation for all clubs and coaches is the same. There is no time for recovery, and it is a very short format. We must work positively. Players have done their best in both the games. We need a little more focus in this game so we get into that (top) group where we can challenge for the title. I feel all the teams in the league are very strong. Anyone can win the league,” said Samir.