Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Dempo Sports Club is set to make its mark in the AIFF Super Cup 2025, embracing a fresh opportunity to showcase Goan football talent on the national stage. The Golden Eagles will kick off their campaign against East Bengal FC on Saturday at the GMC Bambolim Stadium in Goa.
The club’s entry into the tournament follows an invitation from the All India Football Federation after Real Kashmir FC withdrew. Accepting the offer with enthusiasm, Dempo SC sees the competition as both a challenge and a platform for its young players to gain valuable experience against India’s top football clubs.
General Secretary Lector Mascarenhas said the Super Cup participation is a significant step for the club. Despite preparing primarily for the I-League and not signing foreign players due to uncertainty over the league’s schedule, Dempo decided to take on the challenge. He highlighted that nine players from the club’s academy have been promoted to the senior squad for the tournament, reflecting Dempo’s strong commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
Mascarenhas added that the Super Cup will serve as ideal preparation for the upcoming I-League season, helping players adapt to high-pressure competition and national-level exposure.
Head Coach Samir Naik expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness, noting that the team has been training intensively for several weeks. He said the players are determined to give their best and make the most of this opportunity. Naik also appreciated the management’s continued trust in local talent, emphasizing that several academy graduates will feature in the senior lineup.
Dempo SC has been drawn in Group A of the AIFF Super Cup 2025, which includes three Indian Super League heavyweights East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Chennaiyin FC. The fixtures are scheduled for October 25 against East Bengal in Bambolim, October 28 against Mohun Bagan in Fatorda, and October 31 against Chennaiyin FC back in Bambolim.
