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Indiana Fever preseason odds, win total, and projected lineup around Caitlin Clark  The Indiana Fever surprised many last season when the short-handed Fever overcame the Atlanta Dream in the first round of the playoffs. Missing guard Caitlin Clark for all but 13 games due to a season-ending injury, the Fever’s ability to push the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces to a fifth game in the semifinals showed that coach Stephanie White’s team has legit star quality in Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.With Clark back in the lineup and rested, oddsmakers are projecting a big improvement for this year’s Indiana Fever. FanDuel has odds on WNBA season-long over/unders, and they project the Fever to win 30.5 games this regular season.Thirty-one wins represents the second-highest projected over/under win total, tied with the Las Vegas Aces, and two fewer than projected for the reloaded New York Liberty. The Fever finished last season in sixth place overall at 24-20. They went 8-5 when Clark was healthy, for a 27-win pace. There’s little room for error in a 44-game schedule, but the Fever should be favored in around 25 games, and they have the combination of talent and coaching to be competitive in all the rest.The Fever will always take their opponent’s best shot because of the extra media attention that Clark brings. But if Mitchell and Boston can continue the momentum they built in last season’s playoff run, they have the pieces in place to finish among the league’s very top teams.The Fever made sure to return their big three of Clark, Mitchell, and Boston. They also held onto guards Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham, but some of the team’s depth will be new faces.Indiana lost two key bench contributors when Natasha Howard signed with the Minnesota Lynx and Brianna Turner signed with the Las Vegas Aces. They also lost two players in the WNBA expansion draft, with Chloe Bibby going to the Portland Fire and Kristy Wallace getting selected by the Toronto Tempo.Those minutes will likely go to a combination of offseason additions. Indiana signed veteran two-way forwards Monique Billings and Myisha Hines-Allen as free agents, and they used their top draft pick on four-year South Carolina product Raven Johnson. Justine Pissott (Vanderbilt) and Jessica Timmons (Alabama) round out a draft class with a clear focus on shooting.Projected Starting Lineup  #Indiana #Fever #preseason #odds #win #total #projected #lineup #Caitlin #Clark

Indiana Fever preseason odds, win total, and projected lineup around Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever surprised many last season when the short-handed Fever overcame the Atlanta Dream in the first round of the playoffs. Missing guard Caitlin Clark for all but 13 games due to a season-ending injury, the Fever’s ability to push the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces to a fifth game in the semifinals showed that coach Stephanie White’s team has legit star quality in Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.

With Clark back in the lineup and rested, oddsmakers are projecting a big improvement for this year’s Indiana Fever. FanDuel has odds on WNBA season-long over/unders, and they project the Fever to win 30.5 games this regular season.

Thirty-one wins represents the second-highest projected over/under win total, tied with the Las Vegas Aces, and two fewer than projected for the reloaded New York Liberty. The Fever finished last season in sixth place overall at 24-20. They went 8-5 when Clark was healthy, for a 27-win pace. There’s little room for error in a 44-game schedule, but the Fever should be favored in around 25 games, and they have the combination of talent and coaching to be competitive in all the rest.

The Fever will always take their opponent’s best shot because of the extra media attention that Clark brings. But if Mitchell and Boston can continue the momentum they built in last season’s playoff run, they have the pieces in place to finish among the league’s very top teams.

The Fever made sure to return their big three of Clark, Mitchell, and Boston. They also held onto guards Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham, but some of the team’s depth will be new faces.

Indiana lost two key bench contributors when Natasha Howard signed with the Minnesota Lynx and Brianna Turner signed with the Las Vegas Aces. They also lost two players in the WNBA expansion draft, with Chloe Bibby going to the Portland Fire and Kristy Wallace getting selected by the Toronto Tempo.

Those minutes will likely go to a combination of offseason additions. Indiana signed veteran two-way forwards Monique Billings and Myisha Hines-Allen as free agents, and they used their top draft pick on four-year South Carolina product Raven Johnson. Justine Pissott (Vanderbilt) and Jessica Timmons (Alabama) round out a draft class with a clear focus on shooting.

Projected Starting Lineup

#Indiana #Fever #preseason #odds #win #total #projected #lineup #Caitlin #Clark

The Indiana Fever surprised many last season when the short-handed Fever overcame the Atlanta Dream in the first round of the playoffs. Missing guard Caitlin Clark for all but 13 games due to a season-ending injury, the Fever’s ability to push the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces to a fifth game in the semifinals showed that coach Stephanie White’s team has legit star quality in Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.

With Clark back in the lineup and rested, oddsmakers are projecting a big improvement for this year’s Indiana Fever. FanDuel has odds on WNBA season-long over/unders, and they project the Fever to win 30.5 games this regular season.

Thirty-one wins represents the second-highest projected over/under win total, tied with the Las Vegas Aces, and two fewer than projected for the reloaded New York Liberty. The Fever finished last season in sixth place overall at 24-20. They went 8-5 when Clark was healthy, for a 27-win pace. There’s little room for error in a 44-game schedule, but the Fever should be favored in around 25 games, and they have the combination of talent and coaching to be competitive in all the rest.

The Fever will always take their opponent’s best shot because of the extra media attention that Clark brings. But if Mitchell and Boston can continue the momentum they built in last season’s playoff run, they have the pieces in place to finish among the league’s very top teams.

The Fever made sure to return their big three of Clark, Mitchell, and Boston. They also held onto guards Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham, but some of the team’s depth will be new faces.

Indiana lost two key bench contributors when Natasha Howard signed with the Minnesota Lynx and Brianna Turner signed with the Las Vegas Aces. They also lost two players in the WNBA expansion draft, with Chloe Bibby going to the Portland Fire and Kristy Wallace getting selected by the Toronto Tempo.

Those minutes will likely go to a combination of offseason additions. Indiana signed veteran two-way forwards Monique Billings and Myisha Hines-Allen as free agents, and they used their top draft pick on four-year South Carolina product Raven Johnson. Justine Pissott (Vanderbilt) and Jessica Timmons (Alabama) round out a draft class with a clear focus on shooting.

Projected Starting Lineup

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#Indiana #Fever #preseason #odds #win #total #projected #lineup #Caitlin #Clark

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World Athletics president Sebastian Coe hails IOC gender testing decision <div id="content-body-70929451" itemprop="articleBody"><p>World Athletics president Sebastian Coe told <i>AFP </i>that the International Olympic Committee’s decision in March to introduce testing for gender to determine eligibility to compete in the female category, preventing transgender women from competing, is a “very important development for the Olympic movement”.</p><p>The screening will mean Olympic women’s sports from the 2028 Los Angeles Games will be limited to biological females, which would also rule out those with differences in sexual development (DSD).</p><p>WA had already announced last July it was introducing the SRY gene test.</p><p>“You know, I didn’t come into World Athletics for a popularity contest, I came in to do what I think is the right thing,” said Coe ahead of the World Athletics Relays being hosted in Gaborone, Botswana.</p><p>“I’m delighted that the world is beginning to see it the way we did, but I think it’s a very important development for the Olympic movement, and I celebrate that,” he added.</p><p>The announcement by the IOC of the reintroduction of the testing for the SRY gene did not meet with universal approval, with French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari saying it was “a step backwards”.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/athletics/alysha-newman-suspended-for-missing-doping-test-aiu-pole-vault-whereabouts-failure-olympic-medallist/article70929133.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Olympic bronze medallist Alysha Newman suspended for missing doping tests</a></b></p><p>Andrew Sinclair, the scientist who discovered the gene, had said even ahead of the decision, the idea that biological sex is entirely defined by chromosomes is “overly simplistic”.</p><p>IOC president Kirsty Coventry, who succeeded Thomas Bach last year, had made resolving the thorny issue a priority after the 2024 Paris Games were rocked by a gender row involving women boxers Imane Khelif of Algeria and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting.</p><p>Khelif and Lin were excluded from the International Boxing Association’s 2023 world championships after the IBA said they had failed eligibility tests.</p><p>However, the IOC allowed them both to compete at the Paris Games, saying they had been victims of “a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA”.</p><p>Both boxers went on to win gold medals. Coe praised Coventry for taking the bull by the horns and coming up with a blanket policy to cover all Olympic sports.</p><p>“I’m delighted that the new president, Kirsty, has really, in her first few months as president, gone out of her way to protect the female category,” said the 69-year-old Englishman.</p><p>“If you don’t, then you don’t have women’s sport, and Kirsty, of all people, is going to protect women’s sport, so we are 100 per cent behind that position at World Athletics, it’s a position we took many years ago,” he added.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on May 01, 2026</p></div> #World #Athletics #president #Sebastian #Coe #hails #IOC #gender #testing #decision

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UFC Fight Night Perth Betting Picks: Top Bets and Predictions | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777647941513" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777647941513" alt="May 10, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Jack Della Maddalena (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Belal Muhammad (not pictured) for the Welterweight Title during UFC 315 at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">May 10, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Jack Della Maddalena (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Belal Muhammad (not pictured) for the Welterweight Title during UFC 315 at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>For the second time in just over three months, the UFC goes “down under” with its Fight Night card this weekend. The Octagon lands in Perth this weekend as UFC Perth takes place on Saturday, May 2, from the RAC Arena.</p><p>The main event will be a pivotal battle in the welterweight contender scene, as former champion Jack Della Maddalena takes on Carlos Prates.</p><p>This will be the first fight in JDM’s fifth year with the promotion. He started his UFC tenure 8-0, culminating with his upset of Belal Muhammad <a href="https://deadspin.com/jack-della-maddalena-ends-belal-muhammads-title-reign-at-ufc-315/" target="_blank">at UFC 315</a> to capture the UFC welterweight championship. This will be JDM’s first fight since dropping the title to Islam Makhachev, which snapped an 18-fight win streak he had since dropping his first two pro bouts.</p><p>Prates has won two straight and 13 of his last 14 fights. Prates is sporting a 6-1 UFC record, with his sole loss coming to Ian Machado Garry last year. Prates enters this fight off a a second-round knockout of Leon Edwards at UFC 322.</p><p>The co-main event will be a lightweight bout between Beneil Dariush and Quillan Salkilld. Dariush has lost three of his last four, entering this fight off a knockout loss to Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 322. Salkilld, who is 11-1, is 4-0 in the UFC, entering this fight off a submission win over Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 325.</p><p>The rest of the main card features Tim Elliott vs. Steve Erceg, Marwan Rahiki vs. Ollie Schmid, Shamil Gaziev vs. Brando Pericic, and Tai Tuivasa vs. Louie Sutherland.</p><h2 id="beneil-dariush-vs-quillan-salkilld" class=" uppercase break-words">BENEIL DARIUSH VS QUILLAN SALKILLD</h2><p>Beneil Dariush has the experience edge in this matchup by far, and for him this is a fight he needs to “get right.” But Quillan Salkilld is currently one of the fastest rising stars in the sport, earning three finishes and three performance bonuses in his four UFC bouts thus far.</p><p>For Dariush to succeed, he’ll have to get around Salkilld’s power and three-inch reach advantage, look to get inside and take this fight to the ground. If he can do that, he might be able to go toe-to-toe well with Salkilld in wrestling. But the more the fight is standing and Salkilld is pressuring, it might be too much for the veteran to handle.</p><p><strong>BET: Salkilld to win in under 1.5 rounds (DraftKings: -140)</strong></p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p><br/><section id="section-3"> <h2 id="tim-elliott-vs-steve-erceg" class=" uppercase break-words">TIM ELLIOTT VS STEVE ERCEG</h2><p>Tim Elliott is a veteran who is showing he can still hang on the big stage, entering this fight with four wins in his last five fights, including a submission win over Kai Asakura last time out. Erceg had a notable quick rise up the ranks, needing just three wins to earn a title shot. Erceg even almost beat Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title; however, it started a three-fight losing skid that was snapped with a win over Ode’ Osbourne at UFC Vegas 109.</p><p>These two are both well-rounded, and Elliott seems to stay strong even at 39. This should be a fun, back-and-forth, technical battle, whether this fight is on the feet or on the ground. I’d lean to Erceg, but it’ll be hard for either man to score a finish.</p><p><strong>BET: Fight to end via decision/points (FanDuel: -190)</strong></p> </section> <p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p><section id="section-5"> <h2 id="junior-tafa-vs-kevin-christian" class=" uppercase break-words">JUNIOR TAFA VS KEVIN CHRISTIAN</h2><p>It has been a severely tough time for Tafa in the Octagon since his UFC debut in 2023. He is 2-5 in the UFC, bringing his total MMA record down to 6-5. The <a href="https://cagesidepress.com/2026/04/30/ufc-perths-junior-tafa-on-absence-of-brother-justin-it-sucks/" target="_blank">fun thing about Tafa fighting</a> is that there’s almost certainly going to be a finish. However, while he has the kickboxing background and power in his strikes, Tafa hasn’t done much to impress at either heavyweight or light heavyweight.</p><p>Christian comes into this bout 9-3 but having lost his UFC debut to Billy Elekana, who also holds a win over Tafa. Christian is also a big finisher, and while he’s less experienced than Tafa overall in combat sports, he’s got a lot of upward momentum between these two – and has a better skillset with his ground game.</p><p><strong>BET: Christian via KO/TKO/DQ OR Submission (FanDuel: +225)</strong></p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p> </div> #UFC #Fight #Night #Perth #Betting #Picks #Top #Bets #Predictions #Deadspin.com

Deadspin | Cowboys sign 1st-rounder Caleb Downs, five other picks  Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images   The Dallas Cowboys signed six of their seven picks from the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, including first-round selection Caleb Downs to his four-year rookie deal.  Downs, the 11th overall pick of the draft, will receive .95 million in fully guaranteed money that includes a .5 million signing bonus. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option.  The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Downs, a safety. Dallas has yet to sign its other first-round pick, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick.  Downs, a two-time consensus All-American, was named the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State and took home the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy.   His career totals include 164 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 44 games for Alabama (2023) and Ohio State (2024-25).  In addition to Downs, the Cowboys signed third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton and seventh-round wide receiver Anthony Smith.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Cowboys #sign #1strounder #Caleb #Downs #picksApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys signed six of their seven picks from the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, including first-round selection Caleb Downs to his four-year rookie deal.

Downs, the 11th overall pick of the draft, will receive $28.95 million in fully guaranteed money that includes a $17.5 million signing bonus. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option.

The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Downs, a safety. Dallas has yet to sign its other first-round pick, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick.


Downs, a two-time consensus All-American, was named the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State and took home the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy.

His career totals include 164 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 44 games for Alabama (2023) and Ohio State (2024-25).

In addition to Downs, the Cowboys signed third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton and seventh-round wide receiver Anthony Smith.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cowboys #sign #1strounder #Caleb #Downs #picks">Deadspin | Cowboys sign 1st-rounder Caleb Downs, five other picks  Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images   The Dallas Cowboys signed six of their seven picks from the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, including first-round selection Caleb Downs to his four-year rookie deal.  Downs, the 11th overall pick of the draft, will receive .95 million in fully guaranteed money that includes a .5 million signing bonus. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option.  The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Downs, a safety. Dallas has yet to sign its other first-round pick, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick.  Downs, a two-time consensus All-American, was named the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State and took home the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy.   His career totals include 164 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 44 games for Alabama (2023) and Ohio State (2024-25).  In addition to Downs, the Cowboys signed third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton and seventh-round wide receiver Anthony Smith.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Cowboys #sign #1strounder #Caleb #Downs #picks

Rajasthan United FC dropped precious points in the Indian Football League 2025-26 title race, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Dempo SC in their Championship Phase clash at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.

Seigoumang Doungel scored the only goal of the match to guide Dempo to all three points.

The result leaves Rajasthan fourth with 17 points from 11 matches, while Dempo is fifth with 13 points from the same number of outings.

Rajasthan dominated large phases of the contest but failed to convert its control into goals, while Dempo delivered a disciplined defensive display and capitalised on a key moment in the second half to secure a crucial victory.

After an evenly contested opening period in terms of chances, despite Rajasthan’s territorial dominance, the game was decided just after the hour mark when Doungel finished off a swift Dempo move with Vieri Colaco surging forward down the right and driving into the box. With multiple defenders drawn towards him and Thakuri guarding the near post, Colaco squared the ball to an unmarked Doungel, who calmly tapped into an empty net.

ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

Rajasthan pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter but was repeatedly denied by a resolute Dempo backline and an assured performance from goalkeeper Ashish Sibi.

The host came closest to an equaliser in the 79th minute when a defensive lapse from Dempo allowed Gerard Artigas a sight of goal from close range, but Moreno produced a crucial block to deny him.

Rajasthan relied heavily on wide play through Pangambam Naoba Meitei and Pranjal Bhumij, but Dempo appeared well-prepared, dealing comfortably with crosses into the box.

Seven minutes of added time provided a final opportunity for Rajasthan, and it nearly capitalised in the third minute off additional time when Joseph Lalvenhima delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that found Jaideep Singh. His glancing header looked destined to trouble the goal, but Sibi reacted sharply to tip the ball away and preserve Dempo’s lead.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IFL #Rajasthan #Uniteds #title #push #dented #loss #Dempo">IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan United’s title push dented after loss against Dempo SC  Rajasthan United FC dropped precious points in the Indian Football League 2025-26 title race, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Dempo SC in their Championship Phase clash at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.Seigoumang Doungel scored the only goal of the match to guide Dempo to all three points.The result leaves Rajasthan fourth with 17 points from 11 matches, while Dempo is fifth with 13 points from the same number of outings.Rajasthan dominated large phases of the contest but failed to convert its control into goals, while Dempo delivered a disciplined defensive display and capitalised on a key moment in the second half to secure a crucial victory.After an evenly contested opening period in terms of chances, despite Rajasthan’s territorial dominance, the game was decided just after the hour mark when Doungel finished off a swift Dempo move with Vieri Colaco surging forward down the right and driving into the box. With multiple defenders drawn towards him and Thakuri guarding the near post, Colaco squared the ball to an unmarked Doungel, who calmly tapped into an empty net.ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaignRajasthan pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter but was repeatedly denied by a resolute Dempo backline and an assured performance from goalkeeper Ashish Sibi.The host came closest to an equaliser in the 79th minute when a defensive lapse from Dempo allowed Gerard Artigas a sight of goal from close range, but Moreno produced a crucial block to deny him.Rajasthan relied heavily on wide play through Pangambam Naoba Meitei and Pranjal Bhumij, but Dempo appeared well-prepared, dealing comfortably with crosses into the box.Seven minutes of added time provided a final opportunity for Rajasthan, and it nearly capitalised in the third minute off additional time when Joseph Lalvenhima delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that found Jaideep Singh. His glancing header looked destined to trouble the goal, but Sibi reacted sharply to tip the ball away and preserve Dempo’s lead.Published on May 01, 2026  #IFL #Rajasthan #Uniteds #title #push #dented #loss #Dempo

‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

Rajasthan pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter but was repeatedly denied by a resolute Dempo backline and an assured performance from goalkeeper Ashish Sibi.

The host came closest to an equaliser in the 79th minute when a defensive lapse from Dempo allowed Gerard Artigas a sight of goal from close range, but Moreno produced a crucial block to deny him.

Rajasthan relied heavily on wide play through Pangambam Naoba Meitei and Pranjal Bhumij, but Dempo appeared well-prepared, dealing comfortably with crosses into the box.

Seven minutes of added time provided a final opportunity for Rajasthan, and it nearly capitalised in the third minute off additional time when Joseph Lalvenhima delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that found Jaideep Singh. His glancing header looked destined to trouble the goal, but Sibi reacted sharply to tip the ball away and preserve Dempo’s lead.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IFL #Rajasthan #Uniteds #title #push #dented #loss #Dempo">IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan United’s title push dented after loss against Dempo SC

Rajasthan United FC dropped precious points in the Indian Football League 2025-26 title race, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Dempo SC in their Championship Phase clash at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.

Seigoumang Doungel scored the only goal of the match to guide Dempo to all three points.

The result leaves Rajasthan fourth with 17 points from 11 matches, while Dempo is fifth with 13 points from the same number of outings.

Rajasthan dominated large phases of the contest but failed to convert its control into goals, while Dempo delivered a disciplined defensive display and capitalised on a key moment in the second half to secure a crucial victory.

After an evenly contested opening period in terms of chances, despite Rajasthan’s territorial dominance, the game was decided just after the hour mark when Doungel finished off a swift Dempo move with Vieri Colaco surging forward down the right and driving into the box. With multiple defenders drawn towards him and Thakuri guarding the near post, Colaco squared the ball to an unmarked Doungel, who calmly tapped into an empty net.

ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

Rajasthan pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter but was repeatedly denied by a resolute Dempo backline and an assured performance from goalkeeper Ashish Sibi.

The host came closest to an equaliser in the 79th minute when a defensive lapse from Dempo allowed Gerard Artigas a sight of goal from close range, but Moreno produced a crucial block to deny him.

Rajasthan relied heavily on wide play through Pangambam Naoba Meitei and Pranjal Bhumij, but Dempo appeared well-prepared, dealing comfortably with crosses into the box.

Seven minutes of added time provided a final opportunity for Rajasthan, and it nearly capitalised in the third minute off additional time when Joseph Lalvenhima delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that found Jaideep Singh. His glancing header looked destined to trouble the goal, but Sibi reacted sharply to tip the ball away and preserve Dempo’s lead.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IFL #Rajasthan #Uniteds #title #push #dented #loss #Dempo

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