THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Dempo Sports Club displayed resolve and attacking enterprise but had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Real Kashmir FC in a fiercely contested Indian Football League encounter at the PJN Stadium on Sunday.
The opening exchanges were evenly balanced with both sides competing intensely. Dempo gradually settled into rhythm building through patient combinations and looking purposeful in wide areas.
Veri Colaco sparked one early move, feeding Seigoumang Doungel in space though the opportunity slipped away at the crucial moment. A dangerous free-kick soon after created further anxiety in the Real Kashmir defence before an offside decision halted Dempo’s advance.
Dempo continued to probe. Sebastian Athehorta’s corner located Richmond Owusu, whose header bounced narrowly over the crossbar. Sebastian later tried his luck from distance drawing a sharp save from Goalkeeper Sayad Kadir, while Marcus Joseph’s late first-half effort flew agonisingly wide as Dempo pressed for reward.
Real Kashmir struck first in the 45+1st minute against the flow of play. Dempo’s reaction was immediate. Amid a crowded penalty area, the referee pointed to the spot and Marcus Joseph converted with composure in the 45+5th minute to ensure parity at the interval.
The second half resumed with heightened urgency. Dempo regained the lead in the 62nd minute when Sebastian delivered with precision and Aubin Kouakou rose highest to guide a firm header into the net. The advantage however, proved short-lived as Real Kashmir responded in the 62nd minute to restore balance.
The closing stages unfolded at breakneck pace. Dempo pushed forward with intent committing numbers in search of a decisive goal. Deep into stoppage time, Joseph’s persistence forced a defensive scramble and substitute Rane attempted to force the ball home only for a goal-line clearance and an offside flag to deny a late winner.
