Dempo Sports Club and Chennaiyin FC concluded their AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 Group A journey with a 1-1 draw at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa, on Friday, October 31.

Shubham Rawat gave Dempo the lead in the 25th minute, but Chennaiyin captain and goalkeeper Samik Mitra produced a rare moment of magic by scoring the equaliser just four minutes later.

After the result, Dempo finished third in Group A with three points, while Chennaiyin ended at the bottom with one point.

Contrasting Motivations

The first half saw both sides playing with different goals in mind. Dempo chased a near-impossible five-goal victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive. In contrast, Chennaiyin aimed to end their disappointing campaign with pride after two straight defeats.

Chennaiyin began the game with energy, pressing high and dominating early possession. Midfielder Kingslee Fernandes tested Dempo’s defence with a powerful long-range shot that narrowly missed the post, setting the tone for their early intent.

Rawat Scores, Mitra Stuns

Gradually, Dempo settled into rhythm through a series of set pieces. Two quick free kicks in the 18th and 19th minutes helped them gain confidence and apply pressure.

Their persistence paid off in the 25th minute when forward Shubham Rawat curled a beautiful right-footed free kick into the top corner.

However, Dempo’s joy was short-lived. In a moment that stunned everyone, Chennaiyin skipper Samik Mitra launched a long goal-kick from his box that bounced over Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi and found the net. The score was level at 1-1, and both sides went into the break on equal terms.

Before halftime, tensions rose as Chennaiyin’s Irfan Yadwad and Dempo’s Pruthvesh Pednekar received yellow cards.

Tight Second Half

After the break, Dempo pressed hard for a second goal. However, Chennaiyin remained composed, keeping possession smartly through Raj Basfore, Dinpuia, Kingslee, and Hnamte.

By the 53rd minute, Dempo’s urgency was clear, but their opponents absorbed the pressure well. The Marina Machans’ organised defence frustrated the Goan side, who began to commit fouls in their push forward.

In the 75th minute, Chennaiyin nearly took the lead when Irfan Yadwad met Raj Basfore’s curling cross with a header, but it flew over the bar.

During stoppage time, Klusner Pereira delivered another teasing cross from the right, which Yadwad tried to convert with a sliding effort. The ball, however, rolled inches wide of the post.

Moments later, the referee blew the final whistle, confirming a 1-1 draw that wrapped up both teams’ campaigns.