Golden Eagles mark their comeback with resilient goalless draw with solid defending and key saves to thwart Aizawl FC's late efforts
AIZAWL
Coach Samir Naik's Dempo SC marked their return to the I-League after nine years with a hard-fought 0-0 draw, securing a point against Aizawl FC in their opener at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Mizoram, on Saturday.
Dempo SC, making their I-League comeback, saw Coach Samir Naik entrust Ashish Sibi in goal, with Mohamed Ali partnering Syrian defender Shaheen at the heart of the defense. Saiesh Bagkar and Pruthvesh Pednekar operated on the flanks. Buam anchored the midfield in a defensive role, while Vinay Harji and Nestor Dias handled the creative duties. Doungel patrolled the right flank, Hoble the left, with Serbian striker Matija Babovic leading the line.
On the other side, Aizawl FC’s coach Lalbiakmawia fielded Hriatpuia between the posts, supported by a backline featuring Sailung and Lalchhawnkim, with Lalfelkima and Lalrempuia on the flanks. Duhvela and Zothanpuia commanded the midfield, while Vanlalvunga and Augustine provided width. Up front, Sailo and Lalrinfela spearheaded the attack.
Dempo SC took a cautious approach in the opening ten minutes, easing into the contest as they tested the waters. Serbian striker Matija Babovic was a constant presence in the attacking third, waiting for his moment to strike. Meanwhile, Kapil Hoble brought flair to the left flank, persistently challenging the Aizawl defense and emerging as a real thorn in their side.
On the other hand, Aizawl pressed forward in search of a breakthrough, fueled by the chants of their home fans, which lifted their spirits. However, the resilient pairing of Syrian defender Shaher Shaheen and Mohamed Ali kept the Aizawl strikers at bay. Augustine posed a constant threat with his dangerous crosses into the box, but Dempo’s Saiesh Bagkar was equal to the task, ensuring the winger was tightly contained.
Dempo SC came out with renewed intent in the second half, determined to break the stalemate. However, Aizawl FC responded by gaining control in midfield, neutralizing the pressure. Moments later, Aizawl’s Augustine delivered a dangerous cross from the left, but Dempo’s Pruthvesh rose to the occasion, heading it away from danger at the far post.
Shortly after, Pruthvesh tried his luck with a strike from the edge of the box, but his effort drifted wide of the target. In the 71st minute, Aizawl’s Augustine turned provider again, delivering a dangerous cross that deflected off a Dempo defender and rolled out for a corner.
Aizawl came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock when a curling corner found Hriata at the far post. However, the midfielder couldn't get the decisive header to steer the ball into the net.
Aizawl launched a long ball from their half, finding Augustine inside the box. However, Dempo’s Saiesh was alert to the danger, blocking the cross and neutralizing the threat.
Moments later, Augustine delivered another dangerous cross that deflected off Saiesh and headed goalwards, but Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi reacted brilliantly, tipping it onto the post before the defense cleared the danger.
In the 89th minute, Amay was brought down just outside the box by Aizawl’s Hurenzuala, earning Dempo a promising free-kick. Babovic stepped up to take it, but his effort was blocked by the defensive wall. Despite late drama, the match ended in a goalless stalemate at full-time.
"I'm not disappointed with the result, nor with the players. They gave their all and deserved more from the game. They fought hard against the home team. Unfortunately, we couldn't capitalize on the opportunities we had. Football can be cruel – if you don't take your chances, the opposition will punish you,"said Dempo SC head coach Samir Naik
