I-League 2024-25: Delhi FC Breaks 10-Match Losing Streak with 2-1 Victory Over Dempo SC

Synopsis

Delhi FC triumphed over Dempo SC with a 2-1 victory, ending a 10-game winless streak in the I-League 2024-25. Key goals came from Binong and Kamhuka, while Joseph scored for Dempo. The win, though not lifting them from the bottom of the table, equalizes their points with Aizawl FC.

Key Takeaways

Delhi FC's first win after 10 matches.
Goals scored by Samir Binong and Victor Kamhuka.
Dempo's Marcus Joseph scored a free kick.
Delhi remains at the bottom of the table but equal on points with Aizawl FC.
Last win was on December 19 against Shillong Lajong FC.

Hoshiarpur, March 2 (NationPress) Delhi FC achieved their first victory in 10 matches by defeating Dempo Sports Club 2-1 in the I-League 2024-25 at the Coach Ali Haasan Stadium on Sunday.

All goals were scored in the first half. The Cameroonian Samir Binong opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by Victor Kamhuka from Zimbabwe in the 20th minute for Delhi. Marcus Joseph from Trinidad reduced the deficit for Dempo in the 35th minute.

Despite remaining at the bottom of the table with 13 points from 17 matches, this win brings Delhi FC level on points with Aizawl FC, although they have played one more match.

The last victory for Delhi FC was against Shillong Lajong FC on December 19 of last year, after which they managed only two points in 10 matches.

Delhi started the match aggressively, taking the lead within the initial five minutes. Following a corner that was cleared, Hridaya Jain collected the ball on the right, curling in a threatening cross into the six-yard box. Dempo’s defender Mohamed Ali missed the header, allowing Samir Binong to slide in for the first goal.

Dempo appeared low on confidence and vulnerable defensively as Delhi maintained pressure. In the 8th minute, Binong created a chance for himself, evading two defenders before shooting from a tight angle, but Ashish Sibi made a crucial save.

Delhi's persistent effort paid off in the 20th minute when Kamhuka converted a corner taken by Jain for their second goal. Delhi was dominating, and shortly after, Binong had another chance, breaking free to curl a shot from the top of the box, but Sibi made another remarkable save.

Dempo managed to reduce the margin in the 36th minute when Marcus Joseph scored a fantastic free kick, curling it into the net from just outside the wall.

The halftime break seemed to rejuvenate the visitors, who returned with increased intensity, frequently penetrating Delhi's midfield, although their final passes lacked precision. In the 55th minute, a long-range effort could have leveled the score if not for Debnath Mondal, who dove to parry the shot and maintain Delhi's lead.

As the match progressed, the tempo increased, benefiting Dempo, yet they struggled to create significant threats in the final third. By the end, Delhi FC was relieved to secure the win and earn the three points.