Unbeaten Dempo SC face Chanmari FC test as Samaleswari and Rajasthan United seek first points

Dempo SC will look to extend their perfect start to the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season when they host Chanmari FC at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Sunday. 

In the other fixture of the double-header, Samaleswari Sporting Club will take on Rajasthan United FC in Rourkela, with both teams searching for their first points of the campaign.

Dempo and Chanmari meet at 16:00 IST, while Samaleswari host Rajasthan United at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium at 18:30 IST. Both matches will be telecast live on DD Sports and streamed on the Unite8 YouTube channel, Zee5 and WAVES app.

Dempo’s winning momentum faces a tactical test

Dempo have collected maximum points from their opening two matches, but their victories have come through contrasting approaches. Their 1-0 win over debutants FC Bengaluru United in Fatorda on November 1 required patience, with the breakthrough arriving only in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Ghanaian defender Uzziel Yaw Asomaning Budu glanced a header into the net from a corner to settle the contest.

Four days later, in Rourkela, the Golden Eagles displayed a more direct attacking approach to defeat Samaleswari SC 2-1. Captain Richmond Kwasi Owusu capitalised on a long ball and beat his marker to score the opener, before Under-22 midfielder Laximanrao Rane ran on to another delivery to double the advantage.

That flexibility gives head coach Samir Naik several options against Chanmari. The former India full-back, who has spent more than two decades at Dempo as both player and coach, has a side capable of controlling possession as well as exploiting space behind opposition defences.

At home, Dempo are expected to build attacks through the flanks, with Saiesh Bagkar’s forward movement on the left likely to be important. Owusu and Rane offer pace and movement in behind when opponents push their defensive line forward. With last season’s Golden Boot winner Marcus Joseph, who scored nine goals, having moved to Real Kashmir FC, Dempo have already demonstrated that their scoring threat can come from different positions.

Naik, however, wants his team to become more clinical in the final third.

“So far, we have done well and I am very happy with the team’s performances. However, we need to be a little more clinical in our finishing. We have created a lot of chances in both of our games but haven’t always taken them, so improving our finishing in the final third is a priority for us,” he said.

Set-pieces could also prove decisive. Budu’s match-winning header against Bengaluru came from a corner, while Athul Unnikrishnan also had a headed opportunity in that contest. Chanmari captain Zothanmawia has shown his willingness to come off his line and deal with crosses, having punched away deliveries twice in the opening 15 minutes against Shillong Lajong.

Chanmari bring defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat

Chanmari have played only once so far, having sat out the opening weekend, but their 1-1 draw against last season’s runners-up Shillong Lajong FC on November 6 offered an indication of their strengths.

The Aizawl-based side took the lead in the 24th minute when R Ramdinthara’s lofted delivery towards Gabriel Ferreira Paz ended up in the Lajong net. They protected that advantage until the 78th minute, demonstrating their defensive organisation against a strong opponent.

Head coach Steven Dias, the former India international winger appointed in September, has developed a team comfortable without possession and capable of breaking quickly after winning the ball. Lalthanzuala threatened with a run down the right that ended with an effort against the woodwork, while Denilson Rodrigues Roldao displayed his ability to operate in tight spaces around the penalty area.

Naik is aware of the challenge and said his team had worked on specific tactical aspects in training.

“I always say that all the teams in this league are equal. We know Chanmari’s strengths, and we have worked on certain tactical aspects in training that we will try to execute tomorrow. We have a fully fit squad with no injuries to report,” he said.

The battle down Dempo’s left flank could be particularly significant. Bagkar’s attacking runs may create opportunities for the hosts, but the spaces left behind could also provide Chanmari with openings to launch counter-attacks.

Previous meetings add another layer

The recent history between the clubs suggests that Sunday could be closely contested. Chanmari won their last meeting 2-0 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on May 9. Lalruatsanga scored from a corner rebound in first-half stoppage time before Jota sealed the victory on the counter deep into added time.

Their earlier meeting in March ended 2-2, with Dempo recovering from a two-goal deficit through Sebastián Gutiérrez and Joseph. Sunday’s encounter will be the first time the sides meet in Goa in the Indian Football League. Joseph and Jota have since moved on.

Dempo midfielder Bagkar said the victory in Rourkela had lifted confidence within the squad.

“It was a very important result for us because winning away from home is never easy. Getting that result gives the whole team a massive confidence boost. There is a very positive atmosphere in the dressing room; everyone is motivated and working hard,” he said.

Bagkar also called on supporters to turn up in large numbers at Fatorda, expressing confidence that Dempo could secure another three points.

The clubs finished level on 15 points in last season’s Championship Round, suggesting there may be little separating them again. Dempo have shown patience in tight matches, while Chanmari have demonstrated an ability to defend a lead. The final stages at Fatorda could therefore prove decisive.

Samaleswari and Rajasthan United seek a response

The second fixture in Rourkela presents a different challenge. Samaleswari SC and Rajasthan United FC will both be looking to get their first points on the board after difficult starts to the campaign. With the season still in its early stages, Sunday’s meeting offers both sides an opportunity to reset and build momentum.

With two contrasting fixtures on the schedule, Sunday’s double-header promises an important test of Dempo’s early-season consistency, Chanmari’s defensive resilience and the ability of Samaleswari and Rajasthan United to respond to their opening setbacks.