In a tense and hard-fought encounter at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao, I-League side Dempo SC held ISL champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a goalless draw in their Group A clash of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26.
The result, though goalless, was full of drama and resilience especially from the Goan outfit, who once again proved they are no pushovers against the biggest names in Indian football.
The stalemate leaves Group A finely balanced. With East Bengal having thrashed Chennaiyin FC 4–0 earlier in the day to move to four points, Mohun Bagan’s draw means the Kolkata giants sit second on goal difference, while Dempo’s second successive draw keeps their semifinal hopes mathematically alive heading into the final round.
Mohun Bagan entered the game looking to make it two wins in two after a solid 2–0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in their opener. A win against Dempo would have put them within touching distance of a semifinal berth.
For coach Jose Molina, it was an opportunity to rotate his squad and test his bench strength. The Spaniard made eight changes to his starting XI, with a 4-4-2 setup featuring Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren up front, supported by Ashish Rai, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Dimitri Petratos.
Dempo, meanwhile, came into the contest on the back of a spirited 2–2 draw against East Bengal FC. Under coach Samir Naik, the Golden Eagles adopted a pragmatic approach compact defensive lines, intelligent pressing, and rapid counterattacks led by Favio Martins and Shreyash Shailesh Shetye.
Historically, the two clubs share a closely contested rivalry. Out of 41 previous meetings, Mohun Bagan had won 15, Dempo 14, with 12 draws, emphasizing how evenly matched the two sides have been across eras.
First half: Dempo’s discipline frustrates the Mariners
The opening 45 minutes were a showcase of tactical discipline from Dempo. Despite ceding possession early, they looked organized in their defensive third and showed flashes of attacking intent through Vinay and Martins on the break.
In just the 5th minute, Vinay tested Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith with a sharp effort from distance a warning of Dempo’s willingness to take their chances. The I-League side’s defensive duo of Mohammad Ali and Ali Naufal remained composed, heading away crosses and cutting off through balls aimed at Maclaren.
Mohun Bagan, for all their ball possession, struggled to find rhythm. Their 4-4-2 shape often left Petratos dropping deep to create play, while Cummings looked isolated in the final third.
The Mariners’ best first-half opportunity came in the 36th minute, when Ashish Rai rose highest to meet a Petratos cross, only for his header to go straight into the gloves of goalkeeper Sibi. Moments later, Petratos’ long-range attempt flashed wide.
Dempo, on the other hand, grew in confidence. Their midfield, anchored by Juvenio Simoes, was compact and quick to break up Mohun Bagan’s rhythm. The first half ended 0–0, with the ISL champions visibly frustrated and needing inspiration.
If the first half was about Dempo’s composure, the second was about Mohun Bagan’s persistence. Molina’s side came out with renewed urgency after the break, pressing higher and attacking with greater width.
In the 53rd minute, Robson weaved through two defenders inside the box, forcing Sibi into a smart near-post save their first real chance of the night. Soon after, Petratos’ curling cross narrowly missed a diving Maclaren in front of goal.
Molina brought on Apuia for Abhishek Suryavanshi in the 60th minute, hoping to add pace and creativity to the midfield. However, Dempo’s shape held strong. The Goans maintained a disciplined 4-5-1 block, forcing Bagan to circulate the ball wide and rely on crosses most of which were easily dealt with.
By the 70th minute, it was all attack vs. defence. Petratos and Sahal both tried their luck from outside the box but were denied by Ali’s defensive awareness. Every time Bagan pushed numbers forward, Dempo responded with a compact backline, anchored by goalkeeper Sibi, who delivered a standout performance.
The last quarter of the game saw Mohun Bagan intensify their assault. The introduction of Manvir Singh in the 75th minute added fresh energy, but finishing continued to elude them.
In the 87th minute, Jamie Maclaren had a clear opportunity his looping header went agonizingly over Sibi’s bar. Moments later, Dempo almost snatched a famous win when Denilson Hobley broke through on the counter, only for Vishal Kaith to produce a brilliant reflex save to keep the Mariners level.
As seven minutes of added time were announced, the pressure mounted. In the 93rd minute, Manvir Singh missed a golden chance a free header from six yards out sailed over the bar, summing up Bagan’s night. A late corner in the 97th minute offered one final opportunity, but the Dempo defence once again stood firm.
The referee’s final whistle confirmed a gritty 0–0 draw, a result that felt like a victory for the Goan side.
Key Performers
- Sibi (Dempo SC): The goalkeeper was immaculate, pulling off multiple key saves and commanding his box with authority.
- Favio Martins (Dempo SC): His energy in transition and composure on the ball gave Dempo a crucial outlet under pressure.
- Dimitri Petratos (MBSG): Worked tirelessly to create chances, but was often let down by the lack of finishing support.
- Jamie Maclaren (MBSG): Missed two major chances but remained a constant threat in the air.
Mohun Bagan’s heavy rotation may have cost them momentum. Molina’s decision to make eight changes seemed to disrupt chemistry, as his side lacked the fluidity seen in their opening fixture. The 4-4-2 setup left gaps in midfield, forcing Petratos to drop deeper, blunting their attack.
Dempo, on the other hand, executed their game plan flawlessly. Their compact shape, disciplined defensive line, and patient counters mirrored the tactical maturity that has defined their I-League campaign.
With two matches played, East Bengal lead Group A with 4 points, followed by Mohun Bagan (4 points) and Dempo (2 points). The group remains open, but the margin for error has shrunk for both Bagan and Dempo.
For Mohun Bagan, the draw means their final group clash against East Bengal will now effectively serve as a virtual semifinal a must-win to secure top spot. Dempo, meanwhile, need to beat Chennaiyin FC comprehensively and hope for a favorable result in the Kolkata derby to keep their dream alive.
Final Score: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 0–0 Dempo SC
Despite the lack of goals, this contest was a reminder of Indian football’s growing competitive depth where an I-League side like Dempo can stand toe-to-toe with ISL champions and emerge with their pride, points, and hopes intact.
