Later in the evening, Shillong Lajong FC will take on Real Kashmir FC at the SSA Stadium in Shillong (18:30 IST).
The Indian Football League will be telecast live on DD Sports and streamed on the Waves app and the Prasar Bharati YouTube channel.
Diamond Harbour FC vs Dempo SC
Diamond Harbour FC return to their home turf, desperately seeking their first points of the campaign. The debutants currently sit on zero points following a narrow 0-1 defeat to Sreenidi Deccan FC on February 28.
Reflecting on that opening setback, head coach Kibu Vicuña demanded a complete performance from his squad.
“The first result was not what we wanted, but this match gives us an opportunity to improve,” Vicuña said.
Acknowledging the pedigree of their opponents, he added, “Dempo are one of the most historic clubs in Indian football, with many league titles and trophies, so we know it will be a very difficult game for us. We must perform at our best in every aspect of the game if we want to take points.”
Midfielder Bikramjit Singh echoed his coach’s focus and highlighted the team’s resilience. “We have analysed our mistakes from the last match and worked very hard during the week,” Singh stated. “Dempo are a strong side, but the mood in the dressing room is positive and in a short league like this, we know how important it is to get points if we want to qualify for the next round.”
Dempo SC, the legendary Goan club, are looking to re-establish their dominance upon returning to the national stage. Arriving on the back of an entertaining 2-2 draw in their opening fixture against Real Kashmir, the visitors currently sit on one point and will be just as desperate to secure their first victory of the campaign.
Despite their opponents’ status as debutants, head coach Samir Naik is not taking anything for granted. “We have prepared well for this match, but as I always say, there are no weaker or stronger teams in football,” Naik emphasised. “Even though Diamond Harbour are newly promoted, they have been together for a long time and their coach has strong experience in Indian football.”
Acknowledging his own squad’s hurdles, he added, “The season has been challenging for us because some players arrived late and we didn’t get enough time to prepare as a full squad. However, our goals remain the same and we will adapt to the situation and give our best.”
Veteran striker Marcus Joseph echoed the challenges of the disrupted pre-season but remained optimistic about the team’s growing chemistry. “I always try to stay fit and give my best, and now with new teammates like Richmond, we are understanding each other better. I believe things will improve and we will perform better in the upcoming matches,” said Joseph.
Hosts Diamond Harbour will be keen to make a strong impression and secure their first-ever I-League points, while Dempo SC will look to draw on their growing chemistry and vast experience in what is expected to be a fiercely-competitive contest.
Shillong Lajong FC vs Real Kashmir FC
In the evening fixture, Shillong Lajong FC step onto the pitch at the SSA Stadium, backed by their passionate home crowd. The Meghalaya-based club currently sit on one point after starting their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Rajasthan United on March 1.
The home side capitalised on early momentum when Everbrightson Sana was brought down inside the area. Though his initial penalty was saved, Sana reacted quickest to hammer the rebound into the net for a 15th-minute lead. However, they were unable to hold onto their slender advantage in the second half, conceding a 53rd-minute equaliser following a goalmouth scramble.
Looking to bounce back, head coach Birendra Thapa identified their finishing as a crucial area of focus. “The most important area we need to improve is in the attacking third,” Thapa explained. “We created chances but couldn’t capitalise on them, and that is our main concern. In other departments, the team performed well, but our decision-making in the final third has to improve.”
Captain Kenstar Kharshong emphasised the urgency of securing three points in front of the Shillong faithful. “It’s very important for us to get the first win because it will boost the team’s confidence,” Kharshong stated. “Once we get that result, the boys will feel more confident going into the remaining matches, especially since we have many away games ahead.”
Real Kashmir FC are a side known for their trademark resilience and physical style of play. The Snow Leopards also arrive with a single point after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Dempo SC on March 1. Showcasing their lethal counter-attacking threat, Real Kashmir took the lead through a curling shot from Mohammad Inam in first-half stoppage time. After falling behind 1-2 in the second half, they responded instantly with a rapid counter-attack finished clinically by Nigerian forward Shedrack Charles.
Hungry to build on that attacking performance, head coach Ishfaq Ahmad expressed absolute confidence in their preparation for the difficult away trip. “We are prepared for them. We have watched them play and know that they are quite an attacking team at home,” Ahmad noted. “But we are ready for the challenge – mentally and physically. We have prepared well, and hopefully it will be an entertaining match.”
Real Kashmir Captain Mohammad Inaam reiterated this singular focus on claiming victory. “We have to stick to the plan the coach has given us. We are here for the three points,” Inaam declared. “The last match ended in a draw, so in this match we will try our best to get the win.”
In their six previous encounters, Real Kashmir FC hold a distinct advantage with four wins to Shillong Lajong’s one, alongside one draw. The Snow Leopards also boast a commanding 13-4 goal aggregate over the Meghalaya side.
With the stakes high right from the opening stages, both sides will be eager to lay down an early marker. Hosts Shillong Lajong will be desperate to capitalise on their home advantage, overcome their historical deficit, and translate their attacking intent into a victory, while Real Kashmir will look to navigate what is expected to be a highly competitive encounter and extend their past dominance.