Doungel's second-half strike seals Dempo's 1-0 win over Rajasthan United in IFL title race
Synopsis
Dempo SC's counter-attacking prowess proved decisive as Seigoumang Doungel's clinical finish in the 60th minute ended Rajasthan United's unbeaten run in the IFL Championship Phase. Despite the Desert Warriors' territorial dominance and a string of chances, Dempo's disciplined defence and goalkeeper Ashish Sibi's sharp reflexes held firm to secure a morale-boosting victory that reshuffles the title race.
Key Takeaways
Seigoumang Doungel scored the decisive goal in the 60th minute to hand Dempo SC a 1-0 win over Rajasthan United FC on May 1 .
Rajasthan United remains on 17 points from 11 matches after the defeat; Dempo SC has 13 points from the same number of games.
Pranjal Bhumij was Rajasthan's most potent outlet but lacked finishing support from teammates.
Goalkeeper Ashish Sibi made several crucial saves, including a sharp reaction to Jaideep Singh's header in added time.
The result halts Rajasthan United's momentum in the title race and boosts Dempo SC's Championship Phase credentials.
Seigoumang Doungel struck in the 60th minute to hand Dempo SC a crucial 1-0 victory over Rajasthan United FC in a Championship Phase encounter of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib, Punjab on Friday, May 1. The result dealt a significant blow to Rajasthan United's title ambitions, leaving them with 17 points from 11 matches, while Dempo SC climbed to 13 points from the same number of games.
How the goal came
Doungel's winning strike came against the run of play after Rajasthan United had dominated possession for much of the second half. Vieri Colaco initiated a swift counter-attack down the right flank, driving into the box and drawing multiple defenders before squaring the ball to an unmarked Doungel, who calmly finished into an empty net.
Rajasthan's dominance went unrewarded
Rajasthan United controlled the tempo and territorial play throughout, with Pranjal Bhumij their standout performer on the left wing. The Desert Warriors created several opportunities, including Alan Thapa's blocked effort in the 22nd minute and Gerard Artigas's 27th-minute shot that Ashish Sibi parried. Despite their sustained pressure, particularly in the second half, they lacked clinical finishing in the final third.
Dempo's defensive discipline
Dempo SC absorbed relentless Rajasthan pressure with a well-organised backline, anchored by José Luís Moreno, who also produced a crucial block on Artigas in the 79th minute. Goalkeeper Sibi made several sharp saves, including denying Jaideep Singh's glancing header in added time, to preserve the lead.
Missed chances cost Rajasthan
Rajasthan United peppered the Dempo goal with efforts from distance but struggled to engineer clear-cut opportunities. Bhabindra Malla Thakuri, the Rajasthan goalkeeper and captain, was largely untroubled in the opening half. The hosts' reliance on wide play through Meitei and Bhumij proved ineffective against Dempo's compact defensive shape.
What's next
The defeat leaves Rajasthan United needing to recover momentum in their remaining fixtures to stay in contention. Dempo SC, meanwhile, will look to build on this morale-boosting victory as they push up the standings.
Point of View
Rajasthan lacked the clinical edge to convert pressure into points. Dempo's victory, conversely, exemplifies the value of defensive discipline and counter-attacking ruthlessness—a reminder that in tight title races, efficiency beats dominance. With 11 matches played, the margin between contenders is razor-thin, and single-match lapses like Rajasthan's can cost a side dearly.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the winning goal in Dempo SC vs Rajasthan United?
Seigoumang Doungel scored the winning goal in the 60th minute. He finished calmly after Vieri Colaco's pass found him unmarked in the box following a swift counter-attack.
What is Rajasthan United's current position in the IFL 2025-26 standings?
Rajasthan United has 17 points from 11 matches after the defeat. The result has dented their title push, leaving them vulnerable to other contenders in the Championship Phase.
How did Dempo SC manage to win despite Rajasthan's dominance?
Dempo SC relied on a disciplined defensive shape, goalkeeper Ashish Sibi's sharp saves, and clinical counter-attacking. They absorbed Rajasthan's pressure and capitalised on a key moment in the 60th minute when Doungel finished an unmarked chance.
What was Rajasthan United's main attacking threat in the match?
Pranjal Bhumij on the left flank was Rajasthan's standout performer, repeatedly driving infield and testing Dempo's goalkeeper. However, he lacked consistent support from attacking teammates, limiting Rajasthan's effectiveness in the final third.
