Dempo SC Open IFL 2026-27 Against FC Bengaluru United at Fatorda

Goa Khabar: Dempo SC open their Indian Football League 2026-27 campaign on November 1, 2026 (Sunday) against FC Bengaluru United at the PJN Stadium, with Head Coach Samir Naik making clear that the club’s season will be defined by how it starts. (Kick-off at 6:30 PM. IST).

“If we win the game, we are surely fighting for the championship,” Naik said at the pre-match press conference. “After the game, we will know which side we are heading.”

Dempo go into the fixture after a three-month preparation period that Naik described as productive. The Golden Eagles played three games in that time and won all of them. “We have won with good margin, good approach and good positivity,” he said. “I am satisfied with our preparation.”

Asked about Bengaluru United, Naik said, “All the teams in the league are equal for me,” he said. “They have worked really hard to be here, and they are here on merit.”

The club’s own academy continues to feed the first team, with more graduates in the senior group this season. Naik praised the work of the development coaches and the club. “It is an opportunity for them, for everyone,” he said.

On fitness, Naik confirmed that Amay Morajkar is carrying an injury. The club will assess him on Sunday morning before deciding whether he is available.

Richmond Owusu, who was retained from last season’s squad, said he was proud to be back at the club. He said the group has worked hard and trusts the coaching staff. “We trust our coach and our coach trusts us,” Owusu said.

On his personal goals, Owusu put the team first. “We are going to start this league as a team. My goal is to do my best to help us work as one big team and win this championship.”

He also has a message for the home support. “All our fans must come in numbers and support us to take this first victory.”

Entry to the PJN Stadium is free for everyone. Fans should enter through Gate No. 8 and will be seated in the West Stand Upper. Players, media, VIP and VVIP pass holders enter through Gate No. 1, and vehicle entry is permitted only through a car pass.

Sunday’s Fixture (1.11.2026)

Indian Football League 2026-27

Dempo SC vs FC Bengaluru United, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda Goa. KO 6:30 PM. IST.

(Watch live on the Doordarshan Sports Channel, Waves OTT, Z5 and Unite8Sports Youtube Channel)