East Bengal started their AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 campaign with a frustrating 2-2 draw against a determined Dempo SC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Despite dominating much of the match, the Red and Golds failed to capitalise on their chances.

Dempo Strike First

The contest marked the first meeting between the two famous clubs in over a decade. East Bengal had beaten Dempo in their last encounter during the 2015 I-League. Coming into this clash as 2024 Super Cup champions and recent IFA Shield runners-up, East Bengal were clear favourites. However, Dempo, unbeaten in the Goa Pro League and playing at home, had other plans.

East Bengal almost made an early breakthrough in the second minute. Bipin Singh sent in a sharp cross from the left that found Hiroshi Ibusuki unmarked in the box. But the Japanese forward’s first-time shot struck the crossbar, denying them an early lead.

The Kolkata giants kept the ball well, dictated the tempo, and created several chances. Yet, their finishing lacked precision. Dempo, on the other hand, used their limited opportunities wisely.

In the 27th minute, Amay Morajkar’s free-kick created confusion inside East Bengal’s box. Goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar rushed out but misjudged the flight. The loose ball fell to Mohamed Ali, who calmly tapped it into the empty net to give Dempo a 1-0 advantage.

East Bengal Hit Back After Half-Time

After trailing at the break, East Bengal returned with renewed energy. Just a minute into the second half, Hamid Ahadad fired a long-range effort that Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi could only parry. Naorem Mahesh Singh reacted quickly and drove a low left-footed shot into the net to make it 1-1.

The equaliser lifted East Bengal’s confidence. In the 57th minute, substitute Miguel Ferreira displayed exceptional skill to turn the game around. Lalchungnunga sent a lofted pass over the Dempo defence, and Ferreira ran onto it before striking a powerful shot from a tight angle. The ball bounced past Sibi into the far corner, putting East Bengal ahead 2-1.

Missed Chances Prove Costly

East Bengal pushed for a third goal but couldn’t find the finishing touch. Mahesh Singh’s curling effort from a short corner in the 63rd minute hit the outside of the post. Later, in the 76th minute, Ferreira had another golden chance but failed to beat Sibi, who made a decisive save.

Dempo’s Late Equaliser

Despite being under pressure, Dempo kept fighting. In the 89th minute, Laximanrao Rane turned the tide once again. Receiving the ball near the edge of the box, he shielded it well from his marker and fired a low shot into the near post. Majumdar was rooted to the spot as the ball rolled in, sparking wild celebrations from the Dempo bench.

East Bengal were left disappointed after letting a win slip away in the final moments. Their wastefulness in front of goal overshadowed their attacking play, while Dempo’s resilience earned them a valuable point in their opening Group A fixture.