Dempo SC’s faint hopes of qualifying for the AIFF Super Cup 2025 semifinals came to an end on Friday after they were held to a 1–1 draw by Chennaiyin FC in their final Group A encounter at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim.
In a match defined by two first-half goals of contrasting beauty, Shubham Rawat’s sublime free-kick and goalkeeper Samik Mitra’s astonishing long-range equaliser, both sides battled hard but ultimately settled for a point each. The result ensured that Dempo finished the group stage unbeaten but winless, while Chennaiyin exited the competition with a solitary point to show for their efforts.
Heading into the contest, Dempo’s qualification chances were slim they needed a win by at least four goals and a goalless draw in the Kolkata Derby later in the evening between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. That improbable equation, though, evaporated as the minutes ticked by. Despite flashes of fight and organization, Samir Naik’s men couldn’t find the intensity or ruthlessness needed to turn the game their way.
With this draw, Dempo ended their Group A campaign with three points from three matches (three draws), while Chennaiyin collected their first point after consecutive defeats.
A Tactical Start with Chennaiyin on the Front Foot
The match began under the coastal humidity of Goa with Chennaiyin, already eliminated from semifinal contention, playing with attacking freedom. From the first whistle, Kingslee Fernandes, Mandar Rao Desai, and Irfan Yadwad dictated the early tempo, stretching Dempo’s defensive lines.
By the fifth minute, Chennaiyin had already forced a couple of corners and a save from Ashish Sibi, as Kingslee’s shot from range narrowly missed the far post. Dempo, meanwhile, adopted a more conservative structure a 5-3-2 system with Ariston Costa anchoring the midfield and Shubham Rawat leading transitions from the left. Despite sustained pressure, the I-League champions absorbed Chennaiyin’s attacks patiently, waiting for opportunities to counter.
The breakthrough came against the run of play in the 25th minute.
After Klusner Pereira fouled Amay just outside the penalty area, Dempo won a free-kick in a dangerous position. Shubham Rawat stepped up with conviction, curling a stunning right-footed effort that dipped perfectly over the wall and nestled into the top corner beyond a rooted Samik Mitra. It was a moment of pure class from the young winger Dempo’s first goal of the tournament from open play and briefly rekindled their qualification dream.
The Bambolim crowd, largely backing the local side, erupted as Rawat celebrated with teammates, fists clenched and belief momentarily restored.
A Goalkeeper’s Equaliser: Samik Mitra Stuns Everyone
Just when it seemed Dempo had found their rhythm, the unthinkable happened. In the 29th minute, Chennaiyin’s skipper and goalkeeper Samik Mitra pulled off one of the most extraordinary moments in the competition’s history. Collecting a routine ball inside his box, Mitra launched a long goal-kick that caught both the Dempo backline and goalkeeper Ashish Sibi off guard. The ball bounced once on the artificial surface, looped over the advancing Sibi, and rolled straight into the net.
For a moment, disbelief swept across the stadium was there a touch from Irfan? A deflection? The replay confirmed otherwise: it was a direct goal from Mitra’s boot, a 90-yard strike that will live long in Super Cup folklore.
With that, Chennaiyin were level 1–1 a fitting reward for their attacking dominance in the opening half-hour.
The game heated up after the equaliser. A clash between Irfan Yadwad and Pruthvesh Pednekar saw both benches animated, with Pritam Kotal stepping in to calm tempers. Referee Pratik Mondal issued yellow cards to both sides to restore order. By halftime, the score remained locked at 1–1, though Chennaiyin looked the likelier to score next, having registered seven shots to Dempo’s two.
The second half began with Chennaiyin maintaining control through Kingslee Fernandes and Maheson Tongbram, who frequently switched play from flank to flank. Their dominance, however, lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Dempo, forced deeper into their half, relied on counterattacks through Vieri Colaco and Seigoumang Doungel, but their transitions broke down under pressure. Coach Samir Naik made a triple substitution at the 71st minute, introducing Nestor Dias, Laximanrao Rane, and Kapil Hoble, in search of renewed energy. Chennaiyin responded by bringing on Gurkirat Singh and later Vignesh Murthy to press high.
The substitutions injected pace but not precision. Dempo’s defenders, especially Daniel Muthu and Saiesh Bagkar, stood firm, while Mitra at the other end remained largely untested after his first-half heroics.
In the final 10 minutes, Chennaiyin went in search of a late winner. A dangerous cross from Klusner Pereira in the 89th minute narrowly evaded Irfan’s outstretched boot, while Lalrinliana Hnamte’s long-range attempt fizzed just over the bar. Dempo, aware their qualification hopes were gone, focused on maintaining their unbeaten record. The final whistle confirmed a 1–1 draw, ending both teams’ Super Cup journeys.
For Dempo, it’s a bittersweet exit unbeaten, but undone by draws. The Goan giants once again showcased the depth of I-League quality, competing toe-to-toe with ISL opposition. Their organization, defensive structure, and homegrown talent remain bright spots ahead of the upcoming I-League season. For Chennaiyin, however, this result concludes a disappointing campaign marked by inconsistency. Yet, the match gave fans one unforgettable moment Samik Mitra’s goal, a rare feat that captured the spirit of the competition.
As the sun set over Bambolim, both sides left the field with pride intact Dempo for their fight, and Chennaiyin for their flair. The final whistle might have ended their campaigns, but it delivered a match that will be remembered for its drama, its goals, and a goalkeeper’s moment of magic.
Final Score: Dempo SC 1–1 Chennaiyin FC
(Shubham Rawat 25’ — Samik Mitra 29’)
