I-League: After hits & misses, Dempo aim to finish on a high

Panaji: Dempo SC had a rollercoaster ride in the I-League this season but are now determined to finish on a high in their last home game against Real Kashmir FC at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.
Samir Naik’s side made a flying start to their campaign on their return to the top tier after nine years. They were second in the standings after five rounds, but they were left with only two foreigners after Matija Babovic moved to Inter Kashi. Moreover, injuries to key players including Syrian centre-back Shaher Shaheen affected their performance.
With two rounds left, Dempo ensured they were safe from relegation after demolishing Aizawl FC 5-2.
Dempo are now ninth in the standings with 25 points and are aiming for a top-half finish with wins in the remaining two games.
“We could have done better, we know we did well. We started well actually but then we had injuries and sold a (foreign) player. We could have done better if we had done good business in the transfer market,” Samir told TOI during the media interaction on Friday.
Dempo got their groove back only after the January transfer window where they made four foreign additions. Their last foreign signing, Marcus Joseph, proved to be the saviour.
The Trinidadian has made seven appearances but most importantly, scored seven times which includes two hat-tricks. His experience of playing from Mohammedan SC and Gokulam Kerala FC benefited Dempo.
“Overall, for many of us it was the first season in the I-League. Players are young and I feel they have done quite well. We will be better next season,” said Samir.
The five-time national champions have nothing much to lose but can upset their opponents who have an outside chance of clinching the I-League title.
Kashmir are third with 35 points. Inter Kashi FC (35 pts) are second and meet league leaders Churchill Brothers FC (38 pts) in what will be a title decider at panchayat ground, Raia, on Sunday.
Dempo will however be without Spanish midfielder Juan Mera, who is ruled out due to food poisoning.
Meanwhile, Kashmir have kept their hopes high.
“Definitely there is a alive. As of now, the most important step is to get a good result in this match. That is the only possibility and hope other results go our way,” said Kashmir coach Ishfaq Ahmed, who donned Dempo colours from 2003-07.
The kick off is 4.30pm.