Margao (Goa), April 2 – Khangembam Bidyashagar Singh's equalizer in the first half and outstanding saves by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar helped Namdhari FC draw 1-1 against Dempo SC in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Thursday.
Dempo took the lead early on through Marcus Joseph's penalty in the ninth minute, but Bidyashagar capitalized on a defensive mistake to restore parity in the 31st minute, as Namdhari held firm under sustained pressure to earn a valuable away point.
This result leaves Dempo SC ninth in the league with three points, while Namdhari FC move to seventh with six. Bidyashagar Singh was named Player of the Match for his crucial contribution.
Dempo dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded in the ninth minute when they were awarded a penalty after a challenge by Namdhari defender Lamine Moro on Kapil Hoble inside the box. Captain Marcus Joseph stepped up and calmly converted to give Dempo the lead.
Dempo continued to press forward in search of a second goal, but Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar produced a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny Joseph.
Despite the pressure and numerous attacks from Dempo, Namdhari found their equalizer against the run of play in the 31st minute. Bidyashagar Singh reacted quickest to a loose ball following a defensive error by the Dempo keeper Ashish Sibi, slotting home to make it 1-1 heading into the break.
The second half saw Dempo create several chances, but they were repeatedly denied by a resolute Namdhari defense and an inspired Niraj Kumar. Richmond Kwasi Owusu came close on multiple occasions, including a header that narrowly missed the target late in the game.
Dempo pushed hard in stoppage time and created a couple of golden opportunities, but Niraj produced crucial saves, including one from a set-piece effort and another from a close-range header, to ensure the scores remained level.
Namdhari FC held firm to secure a hard-fought draw, with Niraj Kumar's heroics proving decisive in denying Dempo all three points.