Goa Khabar : Saturday’s Matchweek 8 fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru
Stadium in Fatorda carries a different feeling for Dempo Sports Club, one that has
been absent for much of this season. Three points against Shillong Lajong FC have
changed the tone and the Golden Eagles want more.
The 3-0 victory last match changed the complexion of Dempo’s season entirely.
Clinical, disciplined and commanding it was exactly the kind of performance that had
been promised all season and Head Coach Samir Naik believes it has transformed
the energy within the camp.
“The result gave us added advantage, we were always positive and kept working
hard to get the three points,” Naik said.” Finally, we won the game and there is a lot
of positivity in the squad.”
With two games remaining in Stage 1, Naik is acutely aware of what is at stake on
Saturday. The league table remains tight and with the gap between the sides in the
middle of the table as fine as it is, consecutive wins could yet change Dempo’s story
heading into Stage 2.
“This is one of the crucial games of Dempo this season, very important,” he said.
“The league is very tricky and the difference between most teams is not much. If we
win this game, then we can think about what comes next. But first things first, we
need to win tomorrow.”
On what made the difference against Shillong, Naik pointed to the squad finally
finding its cohesion after a season that has tested this group in every possible way.
The performances have been there all season,” he said. “It took time for the players
to click as a squad, but last match that patience paid off.
On the fitness front, Naik confirmed there are no injury concerns heading into
Saturday. “All players are available for tomorrow’s game,” he said.
Ivorian defender Aubin Kouakou, one of Dempo’s key foreign signings this season,
reflected the quiet confidence that has settled across the squad since Tuesday’s
result. The experienced player was measured but resolute when speaking ahead of
Saturday’s fixture.
“Everything is okay, we did this win in the last game, thank God for this,” Kouakou
said. “The mood is okay now.”
On the challenge of the final two Stage 1 games, Kouakou is confident and clear
about where this squad stands.
“The situation is difficult but it is not impossible,” he said. “We are focused. We will
give everything for these two games. The mood is good now we have some smiles. I
think it is okay.”
For Kouakou, the preparation is simple, and his words carried the conviction of a
squad that has found its focus at exactly the right moment.
“I am ready and every single player in this squad is ready. We have one goal and
that is to win.” Kouakou said.
Aizawl FC bring nine points and a resolute defensive record into Saturday’s fixture.
They will test Dempo in ways that matter. But the Golden Eagles have found
something in recent days that no points table can measure, belief. And at Fatorda on
Saturday, that could make all the difference.
Saturday’s Fixture (11.04.2026)
Star Cement IFL 2025-26
Dempo SC vs Aizawl FC, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda Goa. KO 4:00
PM. IST.
(Watch live on the Doordarshan Sports Channel, Waves OTT or Sony Network
Channel)
