Misfiring Dempo still without a win as Namdhari pounce on keeper error

Margao: Dempo Sports Club coach Samir Naik was left frustrated on the sidelines as he watched his team dominate Namdhari SC but still end up with only a point in their Indian Football League (IFL) clash at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday.

After picking up just a point from their last four matches on the road, Dempo expected to register their first win at home and climb out of the relegation zone. When Marcus Joseph gave the hosts the lead in the eighth minute, it seemed business as usual. But the five-time national champions let it slip, with goalkeeper Ashish Sibi allowing Bidyashagar Singh Khangembam to score the equaliser.

The match ended 1-1, leaving Dempo without a win after six games. They are now ninth on the table, a point above Real Kashmir FC who lost 1-2 against Diamond Harbour.

Dempo were flying with the first whistle, attacking in numbers. It surprised nobody when Hoble darted inside and was unfairly brought down, winning the hosts a penalty. Marcus stepped up, and ended with a calm finish to give his side a deserving lead.

Richmond Owusu should have made it 2-0 soon after but shot wide from close. Marcus was later found wanting from inside the box as he aimed his attempt straight into the waiting hands of the keeper.

Then, an unexpected twist.

Dempo keeper Sibi picked up an innocuous back pass at the half an hour mark. Unchallenged at first, he took his time, and when Bidyashagar rushed, tried to dribble past him. He lost the ball and the Namdhari forward had the easiest of finishes in his career that has seen him emerge as the top scorer in the I-League.

To lay the blame entirely at Sibi’s feet would be unfair. His teammates should have done better.

Dempo had several chances to win the game but lacked the finishing touch. Richmond, Marcus, Jose Moreno, besides substitutes Sebastian Guiterrez and Arnold Oliveira all had attempts on goal, most of them off target. To their bad luck, Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar was in fine form too; when he was beaten five minutes from end, Richmond’s header struck the top of the crossbar.