I-League 2024-25: Dempo SC Earns Draw Against Rajasthan United
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Synopsis
Dempo Sports Club halted their losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Rajasthan United in the I-League 2024-25 at Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium. Key performances from both goalkeepers kept the match competitive, culminating in a vital equalizer for Dempo in the second half.
Key Takeaways
- Dempo ended a three-match losing streak.
- Ashish Sibi made crucial saves, including a penalty.
- Shaher Shaheen scored the equalizer in the second half.
- Rajasthan United narrowly missed a late winner.
- The match ended in a 1-1 draw, sharing points.
Jaipur, Jan 19 (NationPress) Dempo Sports Club ended their three-match losing streak in the I-League 2024-25 by securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the home team Rajasthan United at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium on Sunday.
This result helped the team maintain their standing in the league table, earning their first points of the New Year. Following the ninth round of matches, Rajasthan sits with 12 points, while Dempo has 11.
The first half was largely uneventful, with key moments revolving around Dempo's goalkeeper Ashish Sibi. In the 31st minute, he mishandled a cross from Alain Oyarzun, allowing Gerard Artigas to capitalize and score for the hosts.
While Sibi's blunder could be partially excused by the pressure from Naoba Meitei, who contested the aerial ball, he quickly redeemed himself just seven minutes later. After a chaotic sequence in the Dempo box, he saved a shot from Lucas Cabral, followed by a penalty claim when a Dempo defender was deemed to have handled the ball. Oyarzun took the penalty, but Sibi made an impressive save, maintaining the scoreline.
His efforts proved crucial as the second half saw Dempo gradually gain momentum, not only thwarting Rajasthan's attacks but also becoming a threat on the offensive.
Both goalkeepers showcased their skills with numerous saves and blocks to keep the match tied. In the 76th minute, Dempo finally found the equalizer through Shaher Shaheen, who capitalized on a header from Pruthvesh Pednekar to finish from close range.
Rajasthan almost clinched the win in the dying moments when a cross from William Neihsial was headed just wide by Artigas. Ultimately, both teams settled for a share of the points.
