Former champions Aizawl FC and hosts Namdhari Sports Academy shared the points in the opening match of the rebranded Indian Football League (IFL) (formerly I-League) 2025-26 season after playing out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.
Vanlalhriatzuala struck for the former champions in the 43rd minute of the first half to put Aizawl ahead but Senegalese striker Abdoulaye Diallo restored parity in the sixth minute of added time before the final whistle to ensure the Punjab side came away with a point in the Division Two season opener. The result was the second draw in five meetings between the two sides, with Aizawl leading 2-1 so far.
Aizawl coach Lalruatfela packed his midfield at kick-off, leaving Zomuansanga as the only striker up front who clearly expressed his intention to utilize the wings. Namdhari leader Harpreet played a regular 4-4-2 formation and started with three Ghanaians: captain Lamine Moro in the heart of the defense and Francis Addo and Najeeb Ibrahim in the center of midfield.
The People’s Club came out of the blocks faster and had its first shot on target in the fourth minute. Aizawl’s right-back Laldawngzuala managed to make forays upfield and provide some good crosses, keeping Namdhari goalkeeper Nishan Singh busy under the crossbar.
Hriata then struck just two minutes before half-time, when what initially looked like an innocent floater from Dawnga’s flank slid across goal and found the former in acres of space. The diminutive midfielder moved quickly and unleashed a right-footed curler, which beat Nishan and bulged the Namdhari net.
Coach Harpreet wasted no time and brought in Bhupinder Singh in place of forward Jaskaranpreet Singh after the break to strengthen his midfield. Despite the move, Aizawl had their first good chance after the break when Zozoa’s controlled curler was tapped onto the crossbar by Nishan.
With six minutes added to the regular 90, Namdhari almost equalized when Diallo came through in the penalty area and, with only the keeper to beat, lobbed above him and the crossbar.
Diallo would not be denied that day, however, as in the final minute a snap from Lotjem hit the left upright and came back for the Senegalese to tap in as he saved the day for the hosts.
Newly promoted Chanmari holds Gokulam Kerala
Newly promoted Chanmari FC played out a stalemate with former champions Gokulam Kerala FC in Match 2 of the Indian Football League at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl.
Chanmari fielded an all-Indian line-up comprising players from Mizoram, while Gokulam head coach Derick Pereira fielded a strong, experienced starting eleven.
Gokulam controlled the game early, dominating possession and showing greater attacking intent, but the first real chance fell to the home side when Joel Lalramengmawia sent a header over the bar from a long throw-in into the penalty area.
The visitors dominated the attacking play in the first half, but struggled to seriously test the goalkeeper. They won five corners and came closest when John Kennedy’s header hit the post, before Francisco Borges’ follow-up move was blocked by the defense.
Chanmari started the second half brightly. Aron Vanlalrinchhana beat Harpreet Singh to fire into the side netting from a tight angle, while at the other end Zothanmawia punched away John Kennedy’s low cross.
Nili Borges later missed a clear chance, smothering his effort in the penalty area. Chanmari increased the pressure after the hour but could not test Shibinraj Kunniyil as both teams settled for a point.
Published on February 27, 2026
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