Team Herald
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PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club will aim to return to winning ways when they take on SC Bengaluru in the I-League 2024-25 on March 8, at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, at 4.30 pm.
The Golden Eagles are coming off a narrow 2-1 defeat against Delhi FC, where early strikes from Binong and Victor Kamhuka put them on the back foot. Marcus Joseph’s fourth goal of the season offered hope, but Dempo SC couldn’t salvage a result.
Despite the setback, Head Coach Samir Naik remains focused. “We always approach games with a winning mentality, but lately, things haven’t gone our way. Now, we’re in this situation, and we have to fight our way out,” he admitted.
SC Bengaluru, too, enter the fixture on the back of a similar 2-1 defeat to Aizawl FC, where goals from Sailo and Lalbiaknia proved decisive, despite Kisekka converting a penalty for Bengaluru.
Both teams share a fierce rivalry, dating back to their battles in I-League 2 before earning promotion.
Naik acknowledged the competitive edge between the sides. “They feel like rivals because we’ve been fighting to move up the divisions together. Now, we’re in the I-League, and once again, we face each other.”
Dempo SC currently sit ninth in the standings with 19 points from 17 matches (5W, 4D, 8L), while Bengaluru are just behind them in tenth, with 17 points (4W, 5D, 8L). With only two points separating them, Naik understands the significance of the encounter.
“It’s a crucial game for us because they are right behind us. The boys know their responsibilities, and we have prepared well. We understand what’s at stake,” he signed off.