IFL 2026-27: Uzziel Budu's 90+8th-Minute Header Hands Dempo SC Dramatic Win Over FC Bengaluru United

Dempo Sports Club began their Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over FC Bengaluru United at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Sunday. 

Ghanaian defender Uzziel Yaw Asomaning Budu emerged as the unlikely match-winner, scoring with a stoppage-time header in the 98th minute to secure all three points for the hosts.

For much of the contest, it appeared that FC Bengaluru United's disciplined defensive approach would earn them a valuable away point. Dempo enjoyed territorial dominance, particularly in the first half, but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a compact opposition defence.

However, the hosts continued to push in the closing stages and were rewarded with one final opportunity from a corner. Budu timed his jump perfectly and directed a precise header towards the far post, leaving goalkeeper Manjunath Hirekurbar with no chance.

The result provided Dempo with a winning start to their campaign, while Bengaluru were left disappointed after defending resolutely for nearly the entire match.

The match began at a relatively slow pace, with both teams taking time to adjust to the playing surface. Dempo gradually established control, stringing together passes and using the left flank to build their attacking moves.

Saiesh Bagkar was particularly active on the left, making probing runs and attempting to combine with forwards Cledson Carvalho Dasilva and captain Richmond Kwasi Owusu. However, the visitors' defensive organisation made it difficult for Dempo to turn their possession into meaningful chances.

FC Bengaluru United's backline, marshalled by Daniel and Abdul Hannan, remained compact, while goalkeeper Hirekurbar provided security behind them. Despite spending considerable time without the ball, Bengaluru created their first opportunity from a corner in the 27th minute. The resulting header, however, failed to find the target.

As the first half progressed, captain Ribhav Sardesai and Lalramdinsanga Ralte worked hard in midfield to maintain Bengaluru's defensive structure and prevent Dempo from finding space between the lines.

The hosts finished the opening period with approximately 70 per cent possession and close to 250 passes. Yet their territorial advantage did not translate into a breakthrough. Bengaluru's compact defensive shape ensured that the teams went into half-time goalless.

Bengaluru threaten after the restart

The second half began at a higher tempo, with FC Bengaluru United showing greater attacking intent on the transition.

Their best opportunity came when Russian forward Marat Tareck made a dangerous run behind the Dempo defence. With only goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee to beat, Tareck appeared well placed to put the visitors ahead.

However, a heavy touch at a crucial moment allowed Bhattacharjee to rush off his line and smother the ball before the forward could produce a finish. Dempo responded with an opportunity of their own from a corner. Defender Athul Unnikrishnan rose to meet the delivery but directed his header off target.

The contest subsequently became more evenly balanced. Bengaluru looked increasingly comfortable on the counter-attack, while Dempo continued to find it difficult to break through the defensive lines. Despite the hosts' possession, the visitors were arguably the more threatening side during several phases of the second half.

As the match entered its closing stages, Dempo increased their attacking intensity in search of a winner. Their best opportunity from open play arrived in the 80th minute.

Captain Richmond Owusu delivered an excellent pass into the penalty area for Saiesh Bagkar, who found himself in a promising shooting position. However, the winger's goal-bound effort was bravely blocked by the Bengaluru defence.

With eight minutes of stoppage time indicated, the hosts continued to push forward. Bengaluru appeared close to securing a hard-earned draw, having successfully restricted Dempo for long periods. But the decisive moment arrived in the 90+8th minute.

Dempo won a corner in the final minute of added time and delivered the ball into a crowded penalty area. Budu rose above the defenders, timed his leap perfectly and glanced a precise header towards the second post. The ball sailed past Hirekurbar and into the net, triggering celebrations among the home supporters.

The goal finally broke Bengaluru's resistance and gave Dempo a dramatic 1-0 lead at the death.

The final whistle confirmed a memorable opening-day victory for Dempo. Their performance was built on possession and persistence, although the inability to convert territorial dominance into clear chances will be an area for improvement.

For FC Bengaluru United, the defeat will be particularly frustrating. Their defensive organisation and disciplined approach had kept the two sides level for almost the entire match, but a lapse in concentration at a crucial set-piece proved costly.

Budu's late intervention ensured that Dempo's patience was rewarded. The Ghanaian defender may not have been expected to provide the decisive attacking moment, but his timing and execution made the difference.

In a contest where both teams struggled to find a breakthrough, one well-delivered corner and one perfectly timed header settled the outcome. Dempo begin their 2026-27 IFL campaign with three points, while Bengaluru must recover from a painful stoppage-time defeat.