In a thrilling encounter on April 2, 2026, Dempo SC faced off against Namdhari FC at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The match was part of the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season.
Dempo SC took an early lead in the match when Marcus Joseph converted a penalty in the 9th minute. However, Khangembam Bidyashagar Singh equalized for Namdhari FC in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Dempo’s goalkeeper, Ashish Sibi.
Both teams displayed strong performances, with Namdhari FC’s goalkeeper, Niraj Kumar, earning the Player of the Match title for his crucial saves, including a notable stop from a close-range header.
As a result of this draw, Dempo SC currently sits ninth on the league table with three points, while Namdhari FC is in seventh place with six points. This match marked a continuation of Dempo SC’s struggles, as they were seeking their first win of the season after a previous loss to Sreenidi Deccan FC.
Prior to this match, Namdhari FC had secured their first win of the season against Real Kashmir FC, bringing momentum into the game against Dempo SC. The last encounter between these two teams on February 13, 2025, also ended in a 2-2 draw, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.
Despite the mixed results, both teams expressed optimism. Samir Naik, a player for Namdhari FC, noted, “There is a lot of positivity in the team in spite of the results not going in our favour on multiple occasions.” Meanwhile, Saiesh Bagkar added, “The mood in the dressing room remains positive. The team is fully focused on the next match and motivated to come back strong.”
The match showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the league season.