I-League 2024-25: Draw Against Dempo SC Impacts Real Kashmir’s Title Chase

Synopsis

On March 29, Real Kashmir FC faced a significant setback in their I-League 2024-25 title quest after a 1-1 draw with Dempo SC at the PJN Stadium. Despite equalising shortly after conceding, Real Kashmir now trails Churchill Brothers by two points.

Key Takeaways

Real Kashmir dropped crucial points in the title race.
Dempo SC took the lead with a goal from Brossou.
Kamal Issah equalised for Real Kashmir shortly after half-time.
Dempo's debut goalkeeper Roy Chowdhury had a standout performance.
The match showcased fierce competition for the I-League title.

Margao, March 29 (NationPress) The title ambitions of Real Kashmir FC for the I-League 2024-25 suffered a significant setback as they ended up drawing 1-1 against Dempo SC at the PJN Stadium on Saturday. Didier Brossou (43’) put Dempo SC ahead, but Real Kashmir’s Kamal Issah (52’) quickly equalised after the half-time break, leading to both teams sharing the spoils.

While Real Kashmir’s title aspirations are still mathematically alive, they took a considerable hit, finding themselves two points behind the leaders, Churchill Brothers, who still have a match in hand. The Snow Leopards currently have 36 points from 21 matches, whereas Dempo sits at 26 points from the same number of games.

Dempo’s defense was constantly on high alert in Fatorda, scrambling and repositioning to thwart the Snow Leopards' attempts. Real Kashmir came agonisingly close to scoring multiple times, only to face desperate tackles or misplaced touches.

The debut goalkeeper, Sangramjit Roy Chowdhury, played exceptionally well, frustrating the attackers from Real Kashmir. It seemed inevitable for the visitors to break the deadlock, but Dempo seized their chance in the 43rd minute.

With defenders rushing to close him down, Dempo's captain Lukman Adefemi Abegunrin maintained his calm and precisely cut the ball back to Didier Brossou, who was poised at the edge of the box. The Ivorian executed a right-footed drag shot that skimmed low across the pitch and into the net.

Just six minutes into the second half, Real Kashmir responded vehemently. Goalkeeper Sangramjit Roy Chowdhury had previously been Dempo’s strongest line of defense.

However, in the 52nd minute, he made a heavy touch and stumbled while attempting to dribble past two pressing Real Kashmir forwards. Kamal Issah took advantage of the opportunity and curled the ball into the top right corner, bringing Real Kashmir level.

Roy Chowdhury sustained a heavy blow and was unable to continue, leading to his substitution by Ashish Sibi, the regular starter.

Sensing a chance, Real Kashmir pushed forward as the match neared its conclusion. The Dempo defense, although bending under pressure, held firm thanks to Sibi’s determination to not let the situation slip away. A fingertip save late in the game allowed Dempo to secure a point, but it also placed the Snow Leopards' title aspirations in jeopardy.