Dempo SC and Namdhari FC faced off on April 2, 2026, at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The match saw Dempo SC take an early lead with a penalty goal from Marcus Joseph in the 9th minute.
However, Khangembam Bidyashagar Singh equalized for Namdhari FC in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Dempo’s goalkeeper, Ashish Sibi. Bidyashagar reacted quickly to a loose ball, slotting it home to ensure the teams went into halftime level.
In a noteworthy performance, Niraj Kumar was named Player of the Match for his crucial saves, which included stopping a set-piece effort and a close-range header, maintaining the draw.
With this result, Dempo SC remains ninth in the league table with three points, while Namdhari FC sits in seventh place with six points. Dempo SC was seeking their first win of the season, having lost their previous match 1-3 to Sreenidi Deccan FC.
Namdhari FC, on the other hand, secured their first win of the season just prior to this match against Real Kashmir FC, which added to the competitive atmosphere of the game.
Historically, Dempo SC has had a mixed record against Namdhari FC, with one victory and one draw in their previous encounters. The last match between the two teams on February 13, 2025, also ended in a 2-2 draw.
Despite the draw, there were positive sentiments expressed by both teams. Samir Naik remarked, “There is a lot of positivity in the team in spite of the results not going in our favour on multiple occasions,” indicating a focus on future matches.
Similarly, Saiesh Bagkar noted, “The mood in the dressing room remains positive. The team is fully focused on the next match and motivated to come back strong.” This reflects the resilience and determination of both squads as they continue in the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this match and improve their standings in the league.