Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club will look to break their run of draws when they take on Sreenidi Deccan FC in an I-League 2024-25 match on February 25, at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
The Golden Eagles are coming off back-to-back 2-2 stalemates, most recently against Shillong Lajong FC at home. Sreenidi Deccan FC, meanwhile, entered the contest on the back of a narrow 2-1 victory over Rajasthan FC.
Reflecting on their previous outing, Dempo SC Head Coach Samir Naik remained upbeat despite the disappointment of conceding late.
“The boys played really well and gave their best on the field. Even though we conceded a silly goal in stoppage time, they are growing in confidence and gelling well together,” he said.
The last time these two sides met, Dempo SC edged out Sreenidi Deccan FC 1-0 at the Deccan Arena, courtesy of an early penalty from Argentine forward Damian Perez. Looking ahead to today’s showdown, Naik expressed confidence in his squad.
“The team is really strong. Sreenidi Deccan FC have some quality foreigners, but I feel we have a good chance of taking three points, especially at home. The boys are now used to these conditions and the ground. I trust every member of the team, so it doesn’t matter if any particular player is missing,” he stated.
Both teams are level on 19 points from 15 matches, but Sreenidi Deccan FC hold a slight edge in eighth place due to their superior goal difference, while Dempo sit ninth. A win for either side could prove crucial in the battle for a higher spot in the standings.