Chennaiyin FC Goalie Samik Mitra Nets From Open Play To Hold Dempo In AIFF Super Cup | Watch

Last Updated:October 31, 2025, 19:49 IST

Mitra became the club's first keeper to net from open play in a competitive fixture as his 29th-minute equaliser cancelled out Dempo's opener four minutes earlier.

Chennaiying FC Goalie Samik Mitra. (X)

Chenaiyin FC shot-stopper Samik scripted history with his goal against Dempo in the AIFF Super Cup that gave his side a share of the spoils at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Friday.

Mitra became the club’s first keeper to net from open play in a competitive fixture as his 29th-minute equaliser cancelled out Dempo’s opener four minutes earlier.

Head coach Clifford Miranda made five changes to the starting XI from the previous match, with Mitra returning as goalkeeper and Klusner Pereira joining the defence. In midfield, Kingslee Fernandes partnered with Lalrinliana Hnamte, while Vivek S and Maheson Singh supported Irfan Yadwad in the attack.

Chennaiyin began energetically, pressing high and creating early chances. Kingslee tried a shot from distance after winning the ball in midfield, and a quick passing move released Vivek on the flank, whose low cross was narrowly cleared by a recovering defender. The Marina Machans continued to press, with Klusner’s deflected effort looping just over the bar moments after Mandar Rao Dessai’s teasing delivery was turned away.

Despite their dominance, Miranda’s team fell behind in the 25th minute when Dempo scored from a free kick. However, just minutes later, Samik produced a memorable moment when his long kick from his own area caught the opposition off-guard, sailing over the Dempo defence and past the goalkeeper to level the score for Chennaiyin.

After the restart, Chennaiyin maintained their control, dictating possession and pushing forward with intent. Miranda’s substitutions brought fresh energy, and Chennaiyin kept Dempo pinned in their own half for extended periods. Irfan came close midway through the second half, narrowly missing a header wide of the post.

As the game neared its end, Chennaiyin increased the pressure in search of a winner. Gurkirat Singh’s late strike was deflected behind for a corner, and Klusner Pereira’s curling delivery in stoppage time found Irfan, whose touch rolled agonisingly wide of the goal. Despite the near miss, the all-Indian side earned a well-deserved point to conclude their Super Cup campaign on a positive note.

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