AGENCIES
BENGALURU
Dempo SC suffered their first defeat of the I-League 2024-25 season, losing 1-3 to SC Bengaluru at Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday.
Bengaluru took an early lead in the 2nd minute when Krishananda Singh capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi. Bengaluru came close to doubling their lead shortly after with a free-kick from Lamela, but Sibi produced a brilliant save. Dempo responded with a chance from Doungel, whose powerful strike just missed the target.
Dempo equalized in the 42nd minute through a stunning acrobatic finish by Saiesh Bagkar. Damian Perez’s precise corner found Bagkar at the near post, and he made no mistake in leveling the score.
The second half saw Bengaluru pressing for a go-ahead goal. Despite Dempo’s solid defensive play, Bengaluru regained the lead in the 65th minute when Johnson headed home from a right-flank cross. Dempo came close to scoring with a curling corner from Kapil Hoble, but Bengaluru goalkeeper Lama saved it.
In the 80th minute, Shafeel tested Sibi with a powerful strike, but the Dempo keeper was equal to the challenge. However, in the dying moments, Lamela sealed the victory for Bengaluru, scoring a stunning goal from the edge of the box following a perfect pass from Shafeel.
The match ended 3-1 in Bengaluru's favor, marking Dempo's first defeat of the season.
