PANAJI
Dempo SC, fresh from their first setback of the 2024-25 I-League season, will aim to bounce back when they face Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Deccan Arena, Telangana, in their fifth fixture of the campaign on the 13th December 2024.
The Golden Eagles, who started the season strongly, stumbled in their last outing against SC Bengaluru. A lightning-fast opener in the first minute put Bengaluru ahead, but Saiesh Bagkar restored parity before halftime with an acrobatic finish. However, Dempo’s defensive lapses allowed Johnson and Lamela to strike in the second half, handing Bengaluru a 3-1 win.
Despite the result, head coach Samir Naik remained optimistic about his team’s performance. “Among all four matches, this was the best we’ve played,” Naik said. “But football is about results, not just performances. We lost focus at key moments, which cost us.”
Dempo currently sit fourth on the table with seven points from four games, boasting two wins, a draw, and one loss. Their opponents, Sreenidi Deccan FC, are right on their heels in fifth place with six points, having registered two wins and two defeats. Like Dempo, the Deccan outfit is also recovering from a loss, having fallen 1-0 to Delhi FC courtesy of a 71st-minute strike by Binong.
Injuries and squad rotation have posed challenges for Dempo, but Naik remains unfazed. “We have a good squad depth, so I’m not worried. The boys are motivated, especially after the loss, and are eager to convert that disappointment into three points,” he added.
Naik emphasized the importance of consistency, especially as this marks Dempo’s fifth consecutive away game. “Every team is equally competitive on a given day. If we stay focused, we’ll come away with a positive result. The players are determined, and I’m confident we’ll deliver,” he concluded.
Speaking ahead of the game, Matija Babovic stressed that the team needs to stay focused throughout the game and added, "We are ready for this game. We came here with positive minds because, as you can see, the league is balanced. Anyone can beat anyone. We need to stay focused until the last second of the game and, of course, aim to take some points home."
