Dempo SC frustrate Mohun Bagan with goalless draw

PANAJI

Dempo Sports Club continued their impressive Super Cup run holding Indian Super League champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a goalless draw at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Tuesday evening.

It was another resilient performance from the Golden Eagles, who earned their second point of the group stage after a spirited 2–2 draw against East Bengal FC in their opening fixture. Despite being the only I-League club in one of the most competitive groups of the tournament, Dempo SC once again proved their quality and discipline against top-tier opposition.

Speaking after the game, Dempo SC Coach Samir Naik said, "The boys did well in both the games. We were more confident with the ball. In the dying moments we had a chance which their keeper saved. Otherwise we would have won the game. But overall, credits go to the boys. They kept the shape well. They disciplined and worked throughout the game."

Mohun Bagan began the game as favourites, fielding a lineup filled with attacking firepower including Petratos, Cummings and Maclaren. The opening stages saw the Kolkata giants dominate possession, but Dempo’s defensive structure remained resolute. Led by captain Ariston Costa, centre-backs Mohamed Ali and Daniel and goalkeeper Ashish Sibi, the Goan side absorbed waves of pressure with remarkable composure.

In the first half, Dempo not only held their ground defensively but also looked the brighter side on transitions. Vinay Harji and Vieri Colaco were industrious in midfield, pressing aggressively and forcing Mohun Bagan to recycle possession repeatedly. Dempo’s compact shape and tactical organisation frustrated the ISL champions, who failed to create clear-cut chances despite dominating territory.

The best opportunities for Mohun Bagan came through Petratos and Ashish Rai, but both efforts were comfortably dealt with by Sibi. On the other end, Dempo’s young forward line made intelligent runs, with occasional bursts that tested Mohun Bagan’s backline.

The second half followed a similar pattern Mohun Bagan enjoying control of the ball but struggling to find rhythm in the final third. Sibi produced another key save to deny Robson from close range, while Maclaren missed the target with a header in the 89th minute. Dempo’s resilience was on full display as the clock ticked down, with their defenders blocking every attempted shot and clearing dangerous crosses.

Late into stoppage time, Dempo came agonisingly close to stealing a winner when substitute Hoble forced a superb save from Vishal Kaith, preserving the stalemate.

After 90 minutes of relentless battle, the scoreboard read 0–0 a result that felt like a victory for Dempo given the calibre of their opponents. The draw takes the Golden Eagles to two points from two games both earned against Kolkata’s biggest clubs.

The result now sets the stage for the high-stakes Kolkata derby on October 31, where Bagan and East Bengal will battle for a spot in the Super Cup semifinals. After two rounds, East Bengal tops the group with Bagan second on equal points but with a higher goal difference. If the derby ends in a draw, Dempo could still have a slim chance of qualifying, but only if they score five unanswered goals against Chennaiyin FC in their final group-stage match.