IFL: Samir Calls for Focus as Pressure Grows on Dempo Dempo SC still stand a chance to move in the top six of the Indian Football League if they manage to win three on the trot, while others drop points. Panaji: Despite showing promise, Dempo SC have not been able to convert their chances. Now, with three crucial games in the first phase of the Indian Football League (IFL) left to be played, head coach Samir Naik hopes his team can finally step out with their heads held high. Beyond the pitch, it is the dwindling crowd support that has caused concerns for the state that declared football as its official sport in 2012. On Tuesday, Samir, a five-time national league winner with the club, urged football fans for their support as Dempo take on Shillong Lajong FC at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday. “During our playing days, I remember the west stand used to be full during our warm-ups. Now, it’s not the case,” Samir told TOI during Monday’s pre-match media interaction. The five-time national champions are still looking for their first victory after six games this season. They have three points from the three draws which have left them ninth in the standings, just above bottom-placed Real Kashmir FC by a point. Dempo did not convert their chances when it mattered most. In the last game against Namdhari FC, Dempo took an early lead after Marcus Joseph’s penalty, but a goalkeeping error by Ashish Sibi forced them to settle for a draw. “It was a schoolboy error,” said Samir. “We never train that way. After the mistake, any other goalkeeper would have been down. But I could see at half time that he (Ashish) knew what he had done and showed character. He remained focussed thereafter. I believe in him and the entire team.” Dempo will have to be sharp to surprise the visitors who have lost only a game till now.#nehru_stadium #dempo_sc #samir_nai #shillong_lajong_fc #ifl
