Indian Football League: Another setback for winless Dempo

On a day Namdhari SC edged past Real Kashmir FC for their first win of the season and Sreenidi Deccan moved to the top of the table, there was no joy for Dempo Sports Club, even on a day they had numerical advantage for almost half an hour.

The five-time former national league champions were left searching for their first win in the Indian Football League after they lost 1-3 against Sreenidi Deccan at the Deccan Arena on Wednesday.

The win helped Sreenidi move to the top of the table with 10 points from five matches, while Dempo remained at the bottom with two points.

Sreenidi took early control of the contest. A throw-in from the left by Jagdeep Singh caused deflection in the box, and right winger R Lalbiakliana reacted quickest to fire in a left-footed effort from a tight angle to give the home team the advantage.

Sreenidi continued to press forward and created a series of chances, with Ashish Sibi producing key saves to deny David Castaneda, including a sharp stop from close range in the 20th minute and a diving effort to keep out his header moments later.

The pressure eventually told in the 29th minute when Sreenidi centre-back Hadi Idrissou doubled the lead. Winger Lalromawia delivered a precise cross from the right, and Idrissou rose to head home and make it 2-0.

Dempo showed more intent after the restart and were rewarded at the hour mark. Midfielder Knerkitalang Buam dinked a cross towards the far post, where forward Richmond Kwasi Owusu rose to head home and reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The game took another turn in the 68th minute when Sreenidi’s Lalromawia was shown a red card for violent conduct, reducing the hosts to ten men. However, Sreenidi responded immediately on the counter-attack with Fabrice Kah Nkwoh making it 3-1.