Dempo SC aim for first full points in Super Cup against Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC have had a disappointing showing in the AIFF Super Cup, while Dempo SC has been the surprise package.

We are still to find out the group winners as we get ready for the final games for each team in the group stage of 2025-26 AIFF Super Cup. With only one team qualifying from each group, the stakes are high for all the teams.

On the other end of the spectrum, one team that has already been eliminated is Chennaiyin FC. The two-time ISL Champions fielded an all-Indian squad for the tournament and are yet to register a single point. They play against Dempo SC in the final game, looking to finish their tournament on a high.

The Stakes

Dempo SC

Dempo SC have had a decent showing in the 2025-26 Super Cup, playing out draws against East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. They are on two points; however, qualification for the semifinal could be tricky as it is not in their hands.

Both the Kolkata clubs are on four points and they play each other on the final matchday. A win for either club would mean that they would end up as group winners. Dempo SC can finish on top if they register a win with a goal difference of five or more goals against Chennaiyin FC. However, this only possible if East Bengal and Mohun Bagan play out a draw.

Chennaiyin FC

As stated earlier, the Marina Machans are out of the Super Cup, and their game against Dempo SC would be their final game of the tournament. While there were glimpses of the team’s potential, Chennaiyin FC were ultimately poor in attack, failing to create enough chances.

Clifford Miranda’s team would be targeting a win against Dempo SC, however, their opponents have punched above their weight in the tournament so far. Expect Chennaiyin to play more freely in the last game; however, it has to be seen if they are able to find the back of the net on Friday.

Team News

Jitendra Singh and Irfan Yadwad were injured against East Bengal and could sit out in Chennaiyin FC’s final group game.

Dempo SC have not reported any major injuries and should have a full squad for selection against the Marina Machans.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first time that Chennaiyin FC and Dempo SC play each other in an official game.

Predicted Lineup

Dempo SC (4-5-1)

Ashish Sibi (GK), Mohamed Ali, Saiesh Bagkar, Pruthvesh Pednekar, Daniel Muthu, Seigoumang Doungel, Vieri Colaco, Vinay Harji, Amay Morajkar, Ariston Costa, Shubham Rawat

Chennaiyin FC (5-3-2)

Mohammad Nawaz (GK), Laldinliana Renthlei, PC Laldinpuia, Pritam Kotal, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Mandar Rao Desai, Maheson Singh, Jisteshwor Singh, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Farukh Choudhary, Gurkirat Singh

Players to Watch

Mohamed Ali (Dempo SC)

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The defender scored against East Bengal in the 2-2 draw and played an important role in the 0-0 draw against Mohun Bagan. Dempo SC will be relying on Mohamed Ali’s allround abilities against Chennaiyin FC, to lead them to all three points.

Gurkirat Singh (Chennaiyin FC)

The forward is expected to start against Dempo SC with Irfan Yadwad likely out injured. Gurkirat has been starved of minutes since signing for Chennaiyin FC last season and would know that a good performance against the Goan club could change his fortunes in terms of his pecking order within the club.

Telecast Details

The Super Cup match between Chennaiyin FC and Dempo SC will take place at the GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Friday, 31st October 2025.

The match will kick off at 4:30 PM IST. It will be live-streamed on the Indian Football Team/ AIFF YouTube Channel.

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