IFL: Diamond Harbour edge past Dempo

Dempo Sports Club succumbed to the might of debutants Diamond Harbour FC and were left wondering what might have been in their 2-1 loss in an Indian Football League (IFL) clash at the Kalyani Stadium on Sunday.

Antonio Moyano gave Diamond Harbour the lead in first half added time. A second half strike from Marcus Joseph helped Dempo equalise, but Hugo Díaz’s strike in the 70th minute gave Diamond Harbour their first win.


Dempo coach Samir Naik made three changes to his side that dropped points against Real Kashmir at home, handing starts to Jose Moreno, Amay Morajkar, and Knerkitalang Buam, replacing Vieri Colaco, Richmond Owusu, and Seigoumang Doungel.

Dempo created a couple of half-chances in the opening ten minutes, but Diamond Harbour soon regained control. The hosts dictated the tempo and dominated possession throughout the first half, doing everything right except finding the back of the net.

The breakthrough finally arrived deep into first-half stoppage time (45+4') against the run of play. Catching Dempo off guard on a rapid counterattack, Spanish midfielder Moyano produced a brilliant finish, executing a fantastic scoop over the goalkeeper to give Diamond Harbour the lead going into the break.

The second half proved to be a topsy-turvy affair as both teams hunted for goals.

Dempo responded strongly and found the equaliser in the 55th minute. Trinidadian forward Marcus Joseph showcased his individual brilliance, expertly going past two defenders before slotting home a calm finish to make it 1-1.

Searching for a winner, Diamond Harbour coach Vicuna made an inspired substitution that paid dividends just two minutes after the change. In the 70th minute, substitute Bryce Miranda delivered a precise cross into the box, and Hugo Rodriguez was perfectly positioned to restore Diamond Harbour's lead with a clinical finish.

Dempo almost found a second equaliser in the 76th minute, but the crossbar came to Diamond Harbour's rescue to agonisingly deny Joseph a brace.

With seven minutes of extra time added, the Goan outfit piled on the pressure, but the hosts held their nerve and defended resolutely to seal a historic 2-1 victory. Dempo will be disappointed with the finishing particularly in added time with two chances being wasted as efforts were way off the target.

Dempo next face Chanmari FC away on Thursday, looking for their first win of the IFL, while Diamond Harbour, one of the stronger teams in the competition, will travel to Shillong for a clash against Shillong Lajong FC.