SCOREBOX
Rajasthan United FC 0 lost to Dempo SC 1 (Seigoumang Doungel 60’)
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PANAJI
Dempo Sports Club registered a gritty 1-0 victory over Rajasthan United in a Championship Phase fixture of the Indian Football League at the Namdhari Football Stadium, Ludhiana, on Friday.
Seigoumang Doungel struck the winner in the 60th minute to seal all three points for the Goan side in a contest where they were made to defend for long periods.
Head coach Samir Naik made key changes to his starting XI, bringing in Doungel and Amay Morajkar in place of Kapil Hoble and Nestor Dias, and the move paid dividends.
Rajasthan United, playing at home and desperate for points, started on the front foot and dominated the early exchanges. They pressed high and created openings, but goalkeeper Ashish Sibi stood tall with a series of sharp saves to keep Dempo in the contest.
Dempo’s defence, led by Aubin Kouakou and Jose Moreno, remained resolute under sustained pressure, winning aerial duels and making timely interceptions to frustrate the hosts.
The visitors gradually grew into the game towards the end of the first half. Doungel came close in the 35th minute, only to see his effort strike the woodwork, while Sebastián Gutiérrez also threatened but could not find the target.
Rajasthan continued to push after the restart, but Dempo held their shape and waited for opportunities on the counter.
The breakthrough arrived on the hour mark when Vieri Colaco delivered a cross from the flank and Doungel, arriving at the far post, finished clinically to give Dempo the lead.
Rajasthan threw everything forward in search of an equaliser in the final half hour, but Dempo’s defence stood firm. Their best chance came in the 79th minute, only to be cleared by a crowded defence.
Sibi then produced a decisive save deep into stoppage time, tipping away a powerful header from Gerard Artigas to ensure Dempo held on.
The win lifts Dempo to fifth in the Championship Phase standings with 13 points, while Rajasthan United remain fourth on 18 points, still in contention but under increasing pressure as the league enters a decisive phase.
