IFL 2025-26: Dempo SC and Real Kashmir FC share points in 2-2 draw; Shillong and Rajasthan are playing a 1-1 stalemate

Dempo SC and Real Kashmir FC played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-2026 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Sunday.

A frantic end to the first half saw Mohammad Inam’s stunning opener canceled out by Marcus Joseph’s penalty, with both goals coming in extra time. Aubin Kouakou and Shedrack Charles then exchanged goals in a quick one-minute spell just after the hour mark to ensure both sides left with a point.

The hosts set the pace early and enjoyed most of the ball possession, but real clear-cut chances remained few and far between. Dempo suffered a major blow in the opening substitution when captain Ariston Costa suffered serious head injuries after a collision. The skipper was taken away in an ambulance, while Knerkitalang Buam took his place.

ALSO READ: Dempo captain Ariston taken away on stretcher and hospitalized after clash with Real Kashmir player

The breakthrough came against the style of play in the second minute of stoppage time of the first half. Real Kashmir lefty Mohammad Inam unleashed a brilliant curling shot that left the goalkeeper unmoved and put the visitors 1-0 ahead.

Dempo had a brilliant opportunity to draw level from the penalty spot after Real Kashmir goalkeeper Sayad Bin Abdul Kadir committed a clear foul in the penalty area. Marcus Joseph stepped up in first-half stoppage time and clinically sent Kadir the wrong way to ensure the sides went into the interval level at 1-1.

The host regained the initiative just after the hour. In the 61st minute, Sebastian Gutierrez tapped in a beautifully played corner to pick out Aubin Kouakou, whose perfect header sent Dempo into a 2-1 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived, as Real Kashmir struck back just a minute later. A quick counter-attack combined with a defensive error from Dempo allowed Shedrack Charles to pounce, and the Nigerian produced a clinical finish to make it 2-2 in the 62nd minute.

With five minutes added, Dempo threw bodies forward in search of a late winner, laying siege to the visitors’ penalty area. Marcus timed his run to avoid the offside trap and raced clear into the penalty area. Goalkeeper Ashish Sibi charged off his line in an attempt to reduce the angle but the Trinidadian sidestepped him only to see his curling drift painfully wide of the target.

In the end, both teams were satisfied with the 2-2 score and each managed to secure a point.

Elsewhere, in Shillong, home side Shillong Lajong drew 1-1 against Rajasthan United.

Everbrightson Sana gave the home side the lead in the 15th minute, reacting quickest to convert the rebound after his penalty was saved, before Abhishek Ambekar restored parity for Rajasthan United in the 53rd minute.

Published on March 1, 2026