Sreenidi Deccan FC Tops IFL Table After 3-1 Win Over Dempo SC
Sreenidi Deccan FC defeated Dempo SC 3-1 at Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday, reaching the top of the IFL 2025-26 table with 10 points from five outings. Dempo SC linger at the foot with two points from the same number of fixtures. This outcome reveals Sreenidi's command in key phases and capacity to defend a lead under duress, signaling their credentials in a competitive season.
Early Control Establishes Advantage
Carlos Vaz Pinto's charges asserted authority from the start. A throw-in by Jagdeep Singh on the left flank prompted a deflection inside the area, enabling R Lalbiakliana to unleash a left-footed drive from an acute angle for the breakthrough. Pressure mounted, with Dempo custodian Ashish Sibi denying David Castaneda twice in quick succession—a point-blank stop and a diving intervention on a header—before the latter's effort from the corner struck the upright. The ascendancy peaked in the 29th minute as Hadi Idrissou rose to meet Lalromawia's pinpoint delivery from the right, heading firmly into the net for 2-0.
Response Meets Resolve in Second Half
Samir Naik deployed Marcus Joseph around the midway point of the opening period, yielding a curling attempt that Kamaljit Singh parried late in the half. Ajay Chhetri and Pape Gassama anchored midfield supremacy, curtailing Dempo's forays. Post-interval, Dempo halved the arrears on the hour via Richmond Kwasi Owusu's header from Knerkitalang Buam's cross to the far post. Four minutes later, Lalromawia departed via red card for violent conduct, yet Sreenidi countered swiftly: Chhetri seized the ball centrally and fed Fabrice Kah Nkwoh, who finished coolly one-on-one.
Defence Withstands Late Pressure
Dempo ramped up efforts, Amay Morajkar's 81st-minute strike from distance diverted onto the bar by Kamaljit Singh. Greater share of the ball against reduced numbers failed to breach Sreenidi's backline, anchored by Idrissou. The victory extends Sreenidi's strong opening, underscoring depth and tactical flexibility amid IFL's tightening contest. For Dempo, persistent travails demand introspection to climb from nadir.
