Dempo under pressure in hunt for first win Panaji: Dempo Sports Club are struggling to secure their first victory in the Indian Football League (IFL), a result that could lift them out of the relegation zone. After four matches, the team is ninth in the standings, just above bottom-placed Real Kashmir FC. Both sides have yet to register a win, and Dempo’s five-time former champions are eager to end their winless streak when they face Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Coach Samir Naik emphasized the team’s determination to maintain a winning mindset despite recent setbacks. “Our approach will be similar to previous games, we will carry a winning mentality,” Naik said during a pre-match media interaction. However, Dempo’s recent defeat against Gokulam Kerala has left the squad frustrated. Naik acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic about the upcoming match. “Things have not gone our way. Hopefully, we will get something good out of this game, something positive. Maybe the three points will be good to put us back on track,” he added. Defender Mohamed Ali highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the team’s defensive issues. “Defending is not just about the backline; it’s a team effort. Small mistakes have cost us, and we are working together to correct them,” Ali explained. Sreenidi Deccan, currently among the league’s frontrunners, enter the match after a 1-1 draw against Namdhari FC. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the team struggled to convert opportunities until the 79th minute, when Hadi Idrissou scored the equalizer following a deflected corner. Head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto acknowledged the need for improved efficiency in front of goal. “We have analysed our previous match thoroughly.#real_kashmir_fc #sreenidi_deccan_fc #dempo_sports_club #samir_nai #ajay_chhetri
