AIFF Media Team
Manjeri/Aizawl, Thursday, March 19, 2026: Gokulam Kerala FC and Dempo SC will face each other in a crucial fixture in the first of two matches in Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri on Friday, March 20, 2026. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 16:00 IST.
In the second match of the day, in-form Aizawl FC will host second-placed Diamond Harbour FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl with the kick-off scheduled for 18:30 IST.
The Star Cement Indian Football League will be telecast live on DD Sports, Sony Sports Network, and streamed on the Waves app and Sony LIV.
Gokulam Kerala FC vs Dempo SC
Gokulam Kerala FC, stepping onto the pitch at the Payyanad Stadium, will be eager to secure their first victory of the campaign. The Malabarians arrive after suffering a 0-1 defeat against Sreenidi Deccan, a result that saw them drop to 10th in the table with just two points from three matches.
Standing in their way are Dempo SC, who arrive in Manjeri looking to build on a 2-2 draw against Chanmari FC. The Goan outfit showcased immense fighting spirit in Aizawl, coming from behind twice to secure a vital point and climb to eighth in the standings.
Veteran Trinidadian striker Marcus Joseph was the standout performer for Samir Naik’s side, setting up Sebastián Gutiérrez for a crucial first-half equaliser before unleashing a powerful 81st-minute strike to level the match again.
Dempo SC head coach Samir Naik emphasised the unforgiving nature of their current campaign. “It’s a very tight and tricky league where every team is fighting hard, and there is no ‘right moment’ to win. You have to earn it every single game,” Naik explained. “Whether it’s teams at the top or bottom, everyone is pushing, and if you don’t get positive results consistently, you can quickly find yourself struggling.”
With goalkeeper Ashish Sibi in fine form after making multiple crucial saves, Dempo will look to rely on their resilience. Embracing this responsibility, Sibi stated, “It is my responsibility to step up for the team in every moment, especially under pressure. We are still searching for our first win, but the mindset is clear – we are working hard, staying positive, and we will give everything to get that result.”
The head-to-head record between the two sides is perfectly balanced, with one win and four goals each in their two previous meetings. In the previous meeting, Dempo secured a thrilling 4-3 away victory in Kozhikode in April 2025, where a strong team effort overcame a spectacular hat-trick from Gokulam’s Thabiso Nelson Brown.
With both former champions currently searching for consistency and desperate to climb out of the bottom half of the table, Friday’s afternoon clash promises to be an intense and highly competitive tactical battle.
Aizawl FC vs Diamond Harbour FC
In the evening fixture, Aizawl FC return to the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium riding high after a 2-2 draw against Real Kashmir FC. Under head coach R Lalruatfela, the People’s Club have demonstrated an incredible never-say-die attitude and momentarily held the top spot in the standings with five points.
Trailing 1-2 heading into stoppage time in their last fixture, Aizawl’s persistence paid off when Lalhriatpuia rose highest to head home a 91st-minute equaliser.
With Zomuansanga continuing his fine goalscoring form from the penalty spot and captain Vanlal Hriatpuia proving to be a reliable presence in goal, the hosts will aim to leverage their passionate home support and relentless energy to secure another positive result.
Diamond Harbour FC, meanwhile, arrive in Aizawl riding a massive wave of momentum. The newly-promoted side climbed to second in the table with six points following a statement 2-1 away victory over Shillong Lajong in their last outing.
Under the tactical guidance of head coach Kibu Vicuña, Diamond Harbour unleashed a devastating early attacking blitz in Shillong.
Slovenian striker Luka Majcen proved to be the ultimate difference-maker, netting a quickfire brace within the opening 19 minutes to put the game to bed early. Supported by the creative flair of Antonio Moyano and Hugo Díaz, alongside the safe hands of Dheeraj Singh in goal, the visitors will aim to dictate the tempo and strike early once again.
Despite their recent dominance, head coach Kibu Vicuña remains grounded about the challenging away trip. “We are preparing in our usual way, focusing on improving our own game while also respecting Aizawl FC’s strength at home,” Vicuña noted.
Winger Bryce Miranda echoed this collective focus and towering ambition. “We know this is an important game and the team has prepared really well over the last few days. Our focus is clear – to go to Aizawl, fight together, stick to the coach’s plan, and come back with all three points,” Miranda declared.
“The bonding in the squad has been excellent; we are like a family, always supporting each other, which makes a big difference on the pitch. Personally, and as a team, we are highly motivated to achieve our goal of winning the I-League and earning promotion to the ISL, and we’ll give everything to bring the title home.”
With Aizawl’s late heroics against Diamond Harbour’s rapid starts, Friday’s evening clash promises to be a fascinating and high-stakes encounter at the top end of the table; where the winner will move into the top position.
With crucial points on offer across both venues, Friday promises high stakes and intense action. As Gokulam Kerala and Dempo SC battle to secure a desperately needed victory, Aizawl FC and Diamond Harbour will look to assert their dominance at the top of the table, setting the stage for a highly competitive double-header.
(IFL/I-League Media)
