Rajasthan upset Dempo with second-half comeback

Margao: Dempo SC thought they had done enough in the first half to merit a win, but Rajasthan United FC had other ideas. The visitors turned the tables on their opponents with a come-from-behind 2-1 win in their Indian Football League (IFL) clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.

A dominating Dempo started on the front foot and surged ahead in the 22nd minute. There were chances to kill the game, but having not extended their lead, they were to pay a big price in the second. Rajasthan first did well to equalise through Gerard Artigas (‘47), before Thomyo Shimray (’57) scored a beautiful winner to stun the former champions.

At the end of the first phase, Rajasthan – thanks to their first away win – finished with 17 points from nine matches, while Dempo were left on sixth spot, with nine points.

“It’s a very emotional moment for me, to be here on my own home soil and represent Rajasthan United, a club where my heart truly belongs,” said coach Vikrant Sharma, a former Dempo goalkeeper who now lives in Goa. “I am extremely proud of the players. The way they responded in the second half, their discipline, and hunger to fight back, reflects the character of this team.”

Vikrant, who made four changes to his starting 11, has a point. Rajasthan started slowly, looked to be out of depth at the start, but staged a good comeback early in the second half.

Dempo, on the other hand, were left wondering how they let this game slip out of their hands.

After Marcus Joseph and Knerkitalang Buam were denied by Rajasthan goalkeeper James Kithan, Dempo secured the breakthrough in the 22nd minute. A well worked move from the right flank found Nestor Dias, who flicked the ball into the path of Joseph. The forward controlled the ball on his chest before finishing with a half-volley.

Rajasthan took time to fight back but ended the half on a more positive note, pushing bodies forward with Dempo maintaining their defensive shape.

Rajasthan made an immediate impact in the second half, equalising within two minutes. Pangambam Naoba Meitei delivered a cross from the right, which was met by Artigas at the far post, as he headed the ball into the net.

In the 57th minute, Rajasthan completed the turnaround. Novin Gurung delivered a cross from the right, which Shimray converted with a spectacular first-time volley.


Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.