Diamond Harbour FC registered a historic milestone in their young journey as they secured their first-ever victory in the Indian Football League, IFL 2025-26, defeating Dempo SC 2–1 at the Kalyani Stadium on Sunday.
Goals from Antonio Moyano and Hugo Díaz ensured the hosts picked up all three points in a dramatic contest, while Marcus Joseph briefly brought Dempo level with a fine individual effort in the second half. For Diamond Harbour, the result represents a landmark moment. Competing in the league for the first time, the club finally celebrated its maiden victory after showing promise in earlier matches without converting performances into results.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Diamond Harbour head coach Kibu Vicuña made two changes to his starting XI following the team’s previous outing. Spanish forward Hugo Díaz and Indian winger Halicharan Narzary were introduced in place of Bryce Brian Miranda and Pintu Mahata. Dempo SC coach Samir Subash Naik also reshuffled his squad, bringing in Jose Luis Moreno Pena, Amay Morajkar and Knerkitalang Buam for Vieri Colaco, Richmond Kwasi Owusu and Seigoumang Doungel.
The early stages of the match saw Dempo create a couple of half-chances inside the opening ten minutes, but Diamond Harbour gradually settled into the contest and began to control possession.
As the first half progressed, the hosts increasingly dictated the tempo of the game. Their midfield circulated the ball effectively, stretching the Dempo defence and creating several promising attacking movements. Despite dominating possession, however, Diamond Harbour struggled to convert their chances. Dempo’s defensive organisation and disciplined shape ensured the score remained goalless for most of the half.
Just when it appeared that the teams would head into the break level, Diamond Harbour finally found the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time (45+4’). The goal came from a quick counter-attack that caught the Dempo defence off guard. Spanish midfielder Antonio Moyano timed his run perfectly and produced a moment of brilliance in front of goal, delicately scooping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
The clever finish sent the home crowd into celebration as Diamond Harbour entered half-time with a 1–0 lead.
Dempo fight back after the break
The second half began with renewed urgency from the visitors. Determined to overturn the deficit, Dempo increased their attacking intensity and began pushing higher up the pitch. Their efforts paid off in the 55th minute, when Trinidadian striker Marcus Joseph produced a superb solo goal.
Joseph collected the ball outside the box and surged forward, beating two defenders with quick footwork before calmly slotting his shot past the goalkeeper to level the score at 1–1. The equaliser transformed the rhythm of the game. Both teams began committing more players forward, turning the contest into an open and entertaining encounter.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Recognising the need to regain control, Diamond Harbour coach Vicuña made an attacking substitution that soon proved crucial.
Just two minutes after entering the field, substitute Bryce Brian Miranda delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area in the 70th minute. Waiting inside the box was Hugo Díaz, who positioned himself perfectly to meet the delivery and guide the ball into the net.
The clinical finish restored Diamond Harbour’s lead at 2–1 and ultimately proved to be the decisive moment of the match. Dempo refused to give up and nearly found another equaliser in the 76th minute. Once again Joseph was at the centre of the action, unleashing a powerful attempt that beat the goalkeeper but struck the crossbar, denying the striker his second goal of the night.
The near miss gave Diamond Harbour a warning of the danger Dempo still posed. As the match entered its closing stages, the Goan side threw players forward in search of another equaliser. Seven minutes of stoppage time were added, setting up a tense finale.
However, Diamond Harbour defended resolutely. Their backline held firm under sustained pressure, clearing crosses and blocking shots to preserve their narrow advantage. When the final whistle blew, the Diamond Harbour players celebrated an important milestone in the club’s history.
The 2–1 victory not only delivered their first win in the IFL but also demonstrated the team’s growing confidence and competitiveness at the national level.
For coach Kibu Vicuña, the result validated his tactical adjustments and the team’s persistent attacking approach. Meanwhile, the performances of Moyano and Díaz highlighted the impact of the club’s foreign recruits in crucial moments. For Dempo SC, the defeat was a frustrating outcome despite an impressive performance from Marcus Joseph, whose goal and near-miss kept the visitors in contention throughout the match.
As the league campaign continues, Diamond Harbour will hope this breakthrough victory becomes the foundation for further success. The club’s maiden win has finally arrived and it could mark the beginning of a promising chapter in their journey in Indian football’s national league structure.
