I-League 2024-25: Dempo SC Secures Dominant 5-2 Victory Against Aizawl FC Facing Relegation

Synopsis

Dempo SC achieved a remarkable 5-2 victory over Aizawl FC, pushing them closer to relegation in the I-League 2024-25. Marcus Joseph scored a hat-trick, ensuring Dempo's safety in the league standings. Aizawl FC now faces a crucial challenge ahead in their fight against relegation.

Key Takeaways

Dempo SC claimed a 5-2 victory over Aizawl FC.
Marcus Joseph scored a hat-trick for Dempo.
Aizawl FC is in danger of relegation.
Dempo has 25 points from 20 matches.
Aizawl FC is 11th with 19 points.

Fatorda, March 24 (NationPress) Dempo Sports Club has propelled Aizawl FC deeper into the relegation battle of the I-League 2024-25 with an impressive 5-2 triumph at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday. The winners held a 2-1 advantage at halftime.

Marcus Joseph, a striker from Trinidad and Tobago, was the standout performer for Dempo, netting a hat-trick (26’, 75’, 90+6’). Additionally, Pruthvesh Pednekar (5’) and Vinay Vijay Harji (78’) contributed to the scoreline. For Aizawl FC, Zothanpuia (34’) and Lalbiakdika (90+1) managed to score.

Dempo now finds itself in a much more secure position with 25 points from 20 matches, while the former champions Aizawl FC are at risk of relegation unless substantial changes occur in the final two rounds of the league.

Aizawl FC currently has 19 points from 20 matches and sits in 11th place on the points table, ahead of the already relegated Delhi FC. With two teams facing relegation, a tense finish is anticipated between Aizawl FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru, who are precariously positioned in 10th place with 20 points from the same number of matches.

Initially, Aizawl FC did not appear to be a team that could lose by such a wide margin. However, they suffered due to a leaky defense that allowed goals, often in a careless manner. Joseph, who netted three, could have easily increased his tally as he was left open in dangerous areas several times.

The goal scored by Vinay in the 78th minute came as a gift from goalkeeper Rafique Ali Sardar, who made a casual clearance that gifted the ball to his opponents, costing his team significantly. The former champions Dempo quickly exploited the weaknesses in Aizawl's defense and capitalized on opportunities to secure a well-deserved victory.

Aizawl FC managed to score twice but were unfortunate not to add at least two more. They hit the post once and failed to capitalize on another promising chance.