All-Indian lineup shows grit and resilience to earn crucial point in Super Cup opener
PANAJI
Dempo SC proved that homegrown talent can stand toe-to-toe with India’s top clubs, holding a foreign-reinforced East Bengal side to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Super Cup 2025-26 opener at GMC Stadium, Bambolim. Fielding an all-Indian lineup, the Golden Eagles showed resilience, tactical discipline, and fighting spirit to earn a crucial point against one of the country’s most formidable teams.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Mohamed Ali capitalized on a free-kick. A misjudged punch by East Bengal goalkeeper Debjit Majumder left the ball perfectly placed for Ali, who slotted home from close range to give Dempo a well-deserved lead. The all-Indian side held firm under constant pressure, heading into halftime 1-0 ahead.
East Bengal struck back immediately after the restart. Within 33 seconds of the second half, Mahesh Naorem Singh capitalized on a parried shot from Ahadad, firing a grounded effort past Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi to level the score. The visitors then took the lead in the 57th minute when Miguel Ferreira unleashed a stunning shot on the bounce from a tight angle on the left flank, leaving Sibi with no chance.
Dempo, however, refused to be beaten. The all-domestic side kept pressing, and in the 89th minute, Laximanrao Rane struck a perfectly placed low shot from the edge of the box to secure a dramatic late equalizer, rewarding the team’s persistence and composure.
The match ended on a tense note when Nestor received a second yellow card in stoppage time, but Dempo’s earlier efforts had already secured a valuable point.
