Sreenidi Deccan FC came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against Dempo Sports Club in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the PJN Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Friday, 22 May. Hadi Idrissou's clinical header in the 71st minute cancelled out Marcus Joseph's early opener, as the Deccan Warriors' relentless second-half pressure finally bore fruit.

How the Goals Arrived

Dempo struck first and fast. In just the 6th minute, Arnold Antonio Oliveira delivered a precise corner, and Marcus Joseph rose highest to plant a perfect header into the net — his ninth goal of the season, putting him in strong contention for the Golden Boot. The clinical finish left the visitors stunned and gave the hosts a 1-0 lead they would hold until well into the second half.

The equaliser, when it came in the 71st minute, was a textbook team move. C Lalchungnunga whipped in a dangerous cross, Deepak D P headed it perfectly into the path of an unmarked Idrissou, who finished with a header at the far post. Dempo's defenders, reportedly caught ball-watching, offered no resistance.

Sreenidi Deccan's Dominance in Numbers

The statistics told a one-sided story of territorial control. Sreenidi Deccan monopolised possession at 63 per cent, registered a staggering 21 shots, created 16 chances, and applied relentless pressure across both halves. Dempo, by contrast, managed only 8 shots and a solitary corner, relying almost entirely on defensive shape and swift counter-attacks.

Notably, despite that overwhelming statistical advantage, it took the visitors until the final 20 minutes to find the net — a testament to the resilience of the Dempo backline and, more specifically, their goalkeeper.

Ashish Sibi's Heroics in Goal

Dempo custodian Ashish Sibi was the undisputed standout performer and was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match. He produced a superb save in the 37th minute to keep the scoreline level at the break, denied a near-certain goal in the 90th minute, and — deep into six minutes of added time — parried away a dangerous free-kick from Osama to ensure his side did not leave empty-handed. Without Sibi, Dempo's afternoon could have looked very different.

Final Standings Impact

The result has meaningful implications for the table. Sreenidi Deccan FC, with 26 points from 14 matches, have climbed to second position heading into the final game of the season. Dempo Sports Club finish fifth, having accumulated 15 points across their campaign — a season that will be remembered more for individual brilliance than collective results.

With the penultimate round of fixtures now complete, attention turns to the final matchday, where the standings at the top could yet shift.