Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Dempo SC are set to lock horns with Churchill Brothers in the Goan Derby at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, at 4.30 pm, in their I-League 2024-25 encounter on Wednesday.
The Golden Eagles are riding high on confidence after an emphatic 8-1 demolition of SC Bengaluru. Trinidadian forward Marcus Joseph stole the show with a hat-trick, while Holicharan Narzary, Ignacio Mera, Damian, Hayden Hoble, and Lukman Adefemi all got their names on the scoresheet. SC Bengaluru’s Henry Kisseka managed to grab a consolation goal, but the contest was long settled in Dempo’s favour.
Dempo head coach Samir Naik reflected on his side’s form and growing belief. “The mood in the camp has always been good, but now the boys are even more confident. We had a few foreign players join us late, but now the team is gelling well. It’s a completely different side now, and we have plenty of options,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Churchill Brothers arrive with momentum of their own after thrashing an eight-man Shillong Lajong 6-1. Sebastian Gutierrez led the charge with a hat-trick, while Matar Dieye and Cédric Lekay also found the net. An own goal from Shillong’s Ranit Sarkar compounded their misery, with Rudwere grabbing a late consolation for the visitors.
Looking ahead to the crucial derby, Naik acknowledged the challenge ahead. “We are ready, but this is a big test for us. It’s a crucial match for both clubs,” he said. The Dempo boss also confirmed a near-full squad at his disposal. “All our foreign players are fit, though we have two injuries. But we have solid replacements,” he added.
In the league standings, Churchill Brothers sit comfortably at the top with 34 points from 18 matches, while Dempo SC, currently ninth, have accumulated 22 points from the same number of games.
Naik also had a message for Dempo’s supporters, urging them to turn up in numbers. “We’ve seen great support at Raia, but we need the fans at Fatorda. Churchill fans will be there, and we don’t want this to feel like an away game. This is the real Goan Derby—it’s going to be massive,” he signed off.
