I-League 2024-25: SC Bengaluru Claims First Victory Over Dempo SC
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Bengaluru, Dec 7 (NationPress) In a surprising turn of events, SC Bengaluru triumphed over Dempo Sports Club with a score of 3-1, marking their inaugural victory in the I-League 2024-25 at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday. This was an unexpected outcome, considering Dempo's status as the most accomplished team in the I-League, boasting three championship titles.
The match commenced with Krishananda Singh finding the back of the net just seconds into the game, followed by Salam Johnson Singh in the 86th minute and Jordan Lamela in the 90+5 minute, sealing the win for the hosts. Meanwhile, Saiesh Bagkar managed to score for Dempo in the 43rd minute.
Dempo entered the match with an impressive record, having not lost any of their previous games, with two wins and one draw, alongside three clean sheets. However, SC Bengaluru quickly disrupted Dempo’s strong defense. Following this victory, SC Bengaluru now occupies the ninth position in the league table with three points from four matches, while Dempo remains in third place with seven points.
The game kicked off with a defensive lapse from Dempo during a corner taken by Jordan Lamela. The defense struggled to clear the ball, allowing an unmarked Krishananda Singh to score effortlessly from close range.
Dempo's first opportunity to equalize came midway through the first half when Cristian Damian Perez delivered a free kick aimed at Saiesh Bagkar, but his header went wide.
Bagkar made amends in the 43rd minute by leveling the score. Perez sent in a perfectly placed corner from the right, and Bagkar executed a powerful shot to equalize just before half-time.
The second half saw both teams play more cautiously, resulting in fewer chances. SC Bengaluru nearly regained the lead in the 80th minute with a strong attempt from Shafeel P.P, but he was thwarted by Sibi's crucial save.
However, just six minutes later, SC Bengaluru took the lead. Shafeel made a run down the right before sending in a cross. Despite his earlier saves, Sibi misjudged the ball, allowing Salam Johnson Singh to score unchallenged at the far post.
SC Bengaluru capped off their victory in the 90+5 minute with a goal from Lamela. After receiving a pass at the top of the box, Lamela struck a powerful left-footed shot that found the net, igniting jubilant celebrations among the home crowd.
