Jaipur/Fatorda, April 6 (IANS) Rajasthan United FC will face Gokulam Kerala FC in a top-four clash in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday. Later in the evening, Dempo SC will take on Shillong Lajong FC at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, with the hosts aiming to secure their first win of the season.

Rajasthan United FC will look to build on a 2-0 victory over Chanmari FC in their previous outing, a result that moved them to 11 points from six matches.

Head coach Vikrant Sharma urged his side to maintain the momentum. “I always say, make winning a habit. We have been doing well so far, and I want the boys to carry that forward. We have also been strong at home and hope to continue that run,” he said.

Defender Abdul Samed highlighted the importance of the fixture. “It’s a very important game for us. A win will go a long way in strengthening our position in the top six,” he noted. Rajasthan continue to favour a possession-based approach, building from the back to control the tempo.

Gokulam Kerala FC arrive in Jaipur on the back of a 4-2 win over Aizawl FC, which lifted them to fourth in the table with eight points from six matches.

Head coach Dimitris Dimitriou acknowledged the challenge of the away fixture. “Rajasthan are one of the best teams in the league. They have home advantage and a strong mix of players, but we will play our style and push for another win,” he said.

Rahul Raju added, “Scoring four goals in the last game has boosted our confidence. We want to carry that momentum into this match and take all three points.”

The head-to-head record favours Gokulam Kerala, who have won six of the eight previous meetings, with the remaining two ending in draws. They have scored 17 goals compared to Rajasthan’s three. In their last meeting on March 9, 2025, Gokulam secured a 3-0 win in Jaipur.

Dempo SC return home seeking their first win

Dempo SC return home looking for their first win of the season. The Goan side are ninth in the table with three points following a 1-1 draw against Namdhari FC.

Head coach Samir Naik stressed the importance of defensive discipline. “Consistency will be key for us. Shillong are a well-organised side with good attacking players. We need to stay compact and be clinical in front of the goal,” he said.

Midfielder Amay Morajkar added, “We have worked hard in training and want to deliver a strong performance for our supporters.”

Shillong Lajong FC come into the fixture after a 0-0 draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC, keeping them level on 11 points at the top of the table.

Head coach Birendra Thapa expects a tough contest. “Dempo are like a wounded tiger at the moment and will come back strong. They have experienced players who can make a difference, so we must stay alert,” he said.

Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli highlighted the team’s recent progress. “Our performances have improved, especially in possession, defending, and creating chances,” he said. Lajong continue to rely on high-intensity pressing and quick transitions.

In 12 previous meetings, Dempo have won six matches compared to four for Shillong Lajong, while two have ended in draws. Dempo have scored 21 goals to Lajong’s 13. Their most recent encounter on February 19, 2025, ended in a 2-2 draw in Margao.

With Rajasthan United and Shillong Lajong attempting to solidify their positions at the top of the table and Dempo SC eager to secure their first win of the campaign, Tuesday’s double-header carries weight for the standings.

–IANS

bsk/