MARGAO
The highly anticipated Goan Derby between Dempo Sports Club and Churchill Brothers FC is set to ignite the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 4:30 PM. This I-League clash pits five-time national champions Dempo against two-time winners Churchill Brothers, promising a thrilling encounter for football enthusiasts.
Dempo, currently holding 22 points after 18 games, faces a formidable Churchill Brothers side leading the league with 34 points from the same number of matches. Dempo head coach Samir Naik acknowledges the challenge, stating, “We know that we will face a good team and we are playing on our home ground. It is an important match for us. We will play according to our plans and achieve our goal of winning.” He also highlighted the opponent’s strength, “Churchill Brothers have high-level players and we know that they have also added new players to strengthen their ranks. But we know ourselves well and we know our capabilities and we know that we will face a strong and competitive team. This is the right time for us to show our capabilities in front of any team.”
Churchill Brothers’ head coach, Dimitris Dimitrtou, echoed the sentiment, expecting a tough encounter. “We know that it will be a strong match against a strong team. We will face which has a dangerous attack. I studied the Dempo team and it is one of the strongest matches for us,” Dimitrtou said. He expressed confidence in his team’s form and determination to secure victory and strengthen their title aspirations.
The reverse fixture in December saw Churchill Brothers defeat Dempo, contributing to Dempo’s subsequent slump. However, both teams have recently found their scoring touch, with a combined 14 goals in their last outings. Despite this, a cagey, tactical match is anticipated, with Churchill utilizing their wing play and Dempo relying on their goalkeeper Ashish Sibi’s strong form, including two penalty saves this season.
Dempo’s Wayde Lekay will be looked at to improve his scoring touch, after a recent dip in form.
The outcome of this derby holds significant implications for both teams’ league campaigns, with Dempo aiming to disrupt Churchill’s title chase and Churchill seeking to solidify their lead. Inter Kashi, Churchill’s closest title rival, will be closely monitoring the match. This battle between coaches, Samir Naik and Dimitris Dimitrtou, is expected to produce a high-octane, thrilling match.
