SHILLONG, Nov 30: Former champions Dempo Sports Club clinched their first victory of the 2024-25 I-League season defeating Shillong Lajong FC 2-0 at the SSA Stadium on Saturday.
Pruthvesh Pednekar (53rd minute) and Matija Babović (90th minute) were the scorers, securing a vital away win for Dempo. Samir Naik’s men were held to a goalless draw in the first game against Aizawl FC.
Shillong Lajong, on the other hand, faced a setback on their home ground after a spirited comeback in their first match of the season, where they salvaged a draw against Churchill Brothers despite a two-goal deficit. Unfortunately, they could not replicate that resilience in this game.
The match started with both teams cautiously probing each other, and the first significant opportunity fell to Lajong’s Damaitphang Lyngdoh, who unleashed a fierce shot only to see it expertly tipped over the crossbar by Dempo’s alert goalkeeper Ashish Sibi. Lajong continued to create chances, but Daniel Gonçalves squandered a key opportunity to take the lead.
Dempo adopted a defensive strategy similar to their previous match, focusing on maintaining a compact formation that was soaked in Lajong’s attacks. This approach kept them in the game during the first half where genuine scoring opportunities were scarce for both sides. However, Dempo did have a moment just before the half-time whistle when Matija Babović nearly broke through with a grounded shot that was saved by Lajong’s goalkeeper Neithovilie Chalieu.
The second half saw a shift in dynamics as Dempo became more assertive. Their change in approach quickly bore fruit when Pruthvesh Pednekar headed in a corner from Cristián Damián Pérez in the 53rd minute. Although Chalieu managed to get a hand to it, the power and direction of the header were too much to handle, giving Dempo the lead.
Stung by the goal, Lajong’s coach José Hevia made tactical substitutions in an attempt to inject pace and creativity. Sheen Stevenson Sohktung, one of the substitutes, did manage to trouble Dempo’s defence with his quick passes. Despite these efforts, Lajong’s forwards struggled to capitalise, and Dempo’s Sibi continued to thwart their attempts, including a notable save from Phrangki Buam’s potent strike.
As the match neared its conclusion, Dempo confirmed their dominance when Babović spectacularly scored in the 91st minute. From the right side of the field, Babović unleashed a formidable shot that swerved deceivingly, evading Chalieu and smashing into the top right corner of the net and giving the Goan giants an unassailable lead.
Dempo’s commanding performance against Shillong Lajong FC underscores their intent to make a mark in the 2024-25 I-League season. With a strong defensive setup and clinical finishing, the former champions have sent a clear message to their rivals. For Lajong, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to address their missed chances and defensive lapses. While early setbacks may sting, the Meghalaya-based side still has the resilience to bounce back and make an impact in the league. (AIFF Media)
