Rajasthan United FC Stages Comeback to Defeat Dempo SC in Indian Football League

Match Overview

On Sunday, Rajasthan United FC achieved a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Dempo SC during the Indian Football League 2025-26, held at PJN Stadium in Margao, Goa.

Gerard Artigas and Thomyo L Shimray were the goal scorers for Rajasthan United, while Marcus Joseph found the net for Dempo SC. This win propelled Rajasthan United to third place in the league standings with 17 points from nine matches, whereas Dempo SC remained in sixth place with nine points from the same number of matches.

Team Changes

Dempo SC made one alteration to their starting lineup, bringing in Ariston Costa in place of Darell Mascarenhas. Rajasthan United FC introduced Gautam A Virwani, Pragyan Sundar Gogoi, Pangambam Naoba Meitei, and James Kithan, while Shimray, Shafeel PP, Bhabindra Malla Thakuri, and Kiatalua Tadeu Emous were left out of the starting eleven.

First Half: Dempo's Early Advantage

The match kicked off with Dempo SC making a strong start, testing Rajasthan's defense right from the first minute. Marcus Joseph took a long-range shot that required a diving save from goalkeeper Kithan. Shortly after, Kithan was again called into action, denying Knerkitalang Buam from close range in the fifth minute.

Dempo maintained control in the early stages, effectively utilizing the flanks and applying pressure through a well-organized press that disrupted Rajasthan's build-up play. However, Rajasthan gradually found their footing, leading to a more balanced midfield contest.

Dempo continued to pose a threat, and in the 17th minute, Richmond Kwasi Owusu made a penetrating run into the box, but a timely defensive intervention thwarted his shot. The breakthrough for Dempo came in the 22nd minute when a well-executed move from the right found Nestor Dias, who set up Joseph for a half-volley finish.

After conceding, Rajasthan found themselves pushed back, with Dempo continuing to exploit the flanks. A defensive lapse in the 34th minute nearly cost Rajasthan when Pragyan Sundar Gogoi was dispossessed, but Kithan reacted swiftly to avert the danger. Rajasthan's attacks primarily came from wide positions, although Meitei and Artigas struggled to deliver effective crosses.

Artigas managed to create a shooting opportunity in the 41st minute, but his attempt was easily gathered by Ashish Sibi. Rajasthan ended the half positively, pushing forward, but Dempo held firm defensively to maintain their lead at halftime.

Second Half: Rajasthan's Resurgence

Rajasthan made an immediate impact after the break, equalizing within two minutes. Meitei's cross from the right was met by Artigas at the far post, who headed the ball into the net despite Sibi getting a hand to it. Shortly after, Owusu received a yellow card as the game's intensity increased.

Rajasthan continued to press forward, forcing Dempo's defense to withstand significant pressure. In the 57th minute, Rajasthan completed their comeback when Novin Gurung's cross from the right was volleyed home by Shimray.

After falling behind, Dempo struggled to replicate their first-half attacking form, while Rajasthan maintained control, albeit without creating many clear-cut chances. Rajasthan threatened from a set-piece in the 73rd minute, with Meitei's shot deflected for a corner, and Fernandes was denied a shooting opportunity moments later.

Dempo nearly equalized in the 82nd minute when Gutierrez attempted a close-range shot following a corner, but Kithan made a reflex save. As the match neared its conclusion, Dempo attempted long-range efforts, including a late shot from Gutierrez, but Kithan remained composed. Despite six minutes of added time, Rajasthan held on to secure the victory.