Youthful squad faces demanding early fixtures
Dempo’s emerging talents impressed against established ISL teams in the Super Cup.
PANAJI
Dempo Sports Club will aim to reassert themselves as a force in national football when they begin their Indian Football League 2025-26 campaign, hoping to push for promotion and build on the steady progress made over the past year.
The Goan side, coached by Samir Naik, have been rebuilding around a strong development-based core, with several players emerging from the club’s academy system. The emphasis on youth and continuity has been central to Dempo’s revival and long-term vision as they seek to compete with more established outfits.
Dempo enjoyed a solid return to the national league structure last season, finishing sixth in the I-League and comfortably in the top half of the table. The campaign served as a consolidation phase for the club, which focused on stability and gradual improvement rather than short-term spending, while laying the foundation for a stronger promotion push this year.
They also caught the eye in the Super Cup earlier this season, remaining unbeaten in the group stage against top Indian Super League sides. The youthful Dempo squad matched up well against more fancied opponents, holding them to draws and earning praise for their organisation and resilience, even though they narrowly missed out on a place in the knockout rounds.
The 2025-26 Indian Football League (rechristened from the I-League) will follow a two-stage format with 10 teams, where points from the first phase carry into the next. With promotion to the Indian Super League at stake, consistency across both phases will be crucial.
Dempo open their campaign against Real Kashmir FC at home before facing a demanding set of early fixtures, and will look to capitalise on home support and growing cohesion within the squad. A strong start could place them firmly in contention, while their blend of youth and experience will be tested against seasoned rivals.
After showing promise last season and encouraging signs in the Super Cup, Dempo will be eager to translate potential into results and mount a sustained challenge as they seek to re-establish themselves among the country’s leading clubs.
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Dempo appeal to fans to fill up Fatorda
MARGAO: Dempo SC have called on Goan football fans to turn out in large numbers to support the home side as they open their Indian Football League 2025-26 campaign on Sunday.
Dempo will begin their season with a home clash against Real Kashmir FC at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, Margao, with kick-off scheduled for 4 pm on March 1.
Spectator seating will be available in the South Stand and the upper tier of the Francisco Monte Cruz Stand (West Stand), with entry for fans permitted only through Gate No. 8. Admission to the match will be free for all football enthusiasts.
