Niraj Kumar’s heroics and Bidyashagar’s strike earn Namdhari gritty 1-1 draw against Dempo in IFL clash

Margao: Khangembam Bidyashagar Singh’s first-half equaliser and a series of outstanding saves by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar helped Namdhari FC hold Dempo SC to a 1-1 draw in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Thursday.

Dempo took an early lead through Marcus Joseph’s penalty in the ninth minute, but Bidyashagar capitalised on a defensive lapse to restore parity in the 31st, as Namdhari held firm under sustained pressure to earn a valuable away point.

The result leaves Dempo SC ninth on the table with three points, while Namdhari FC move to seventh with six. Bidyashagar Singh was named Player of the Match for his crucial contribution. IANS

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