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
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
