IFL 2025-26 — Sreenidi Deccan and Dempo SC draw to end season

Sreenidi Deccan FC came from behind to hold Dempo Sports Club to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their final Indian Football League match at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Friday.

Marcus Joseph gave Dempo the lead early in the sixth minute, which was eventually canceled out by a second-half strike from Hadi Idrissou in the 71st minute as the points were shared.

With this result, Sreenidi Deccan, with 26 points from 14 matches, moved to second position after the penultimate match of the season, while Dempo finished fifth in the table, securing 15 points.

The match started with the home team striking early and completely catching the visitors off guard. In just the sixth minute, Arnold delivered a precise corner to Antonio Oliveira, and Joseph rose highest to plant a perfect header into the back of the net for his ninth goal of the season.

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Sreenidi Deccan gradually took control of midfield after numerous aerial duels, but lacked precision in the final third. Despite recording a whopping 21 shots in total and creating sixteen chances during the match, the visitor struggled to break through a determined home defence.

The Golden Eagles, who scored just eight shots and one corner in comparison, relied heavily on their defensive shape and looked only for quick counter-attacks to relieve the mounting pressure.

The Deccan Warriors’ sustained attacking barrage finally yielded results as the match entered the final 20 minutes.

In the 71st minute, C Lalchungnunga delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Deepak DP headed the ball perfectly into the path of Idrissou, who made the score 1-1 with a clinical header at the far post.

In the end, both teams were satisfied with a point each to end their respective seasons.

Published on May 22, 2026