Mohun Bagan Super Giant Held to Goalless Draw by Disciplined Dempo SC

Image Credit: All India Football Federation

Mohun Bagan Super Giant were unable to break through a resolute Dempo SC defence as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw in their Group A clash of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Tuesday, October 28. The stalemate has set up a winner takes all encounter in the Kolkata Derby on October 31.

The ISL Champions began with a controlled approach, enjoying long periods of possession and launching waves of attack through their forwards and midfielders. However, Dempo's well organised defence line proved difficult to breach, with goalkeeper Ashish Sibi in fine form to deny the Mariners on several occasions.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant's first real chance came in the 23' when Abhishek Singh Tekcham whipped a cross from the fullback position that found Robson on the left flank. The Brazilian attacker dribbled forward before shooting, but Sibi was equal to the task. Minutes later, Jason Cummings attempted a close range effort from a Dimitri Petratos cross, only to see the goalkeeper make another crucial save.

Dempo showed resilience throughout and created problems on the counter attack through moves involving Vieri Colaco and Saiesh Bagkar. Despite Mohun Bagan Super Giant dominating possession, the Golden Eagles' organised defence prevented the Mariners from finding a breakthrough.

In the 53', Sahal Abdul Samad and Robson combined well to carve out space, but the Brazilian's left footed strike was again saved by Sibi. As the match progressed, Maclaren had two opportunities to score. His first effort slid narrowly wide of the right post, while his second attempt was denied by a brave block from Bagkar.

Dempo continued to threaten on the break in the closing stages. In the 87', Arnold Oliveira's cross from the left found Kapil Hoble in space, but Vishal Kaith raced off his line to clear the threat. The final minutes saw Mohun Bagan Super Giant press forward through Manvir Singh and Sahal, yet they could not find the elusive goal.

The draw leaves Group A finely balanced. East Bengal, with a superior goal difference, needs only a draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant to reach the semi finals, while the Mariners must win. Dempo can also qualify if they defeat the already eliminated Chennaiyin by a significant margin and the derby ends all square.