IFL 2025-26: Dempo comes from behind to hold Chanmari

Chanmari DC and Dempo SC played out a 2-2 draw in the first match of Gameweek 3 of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 Stage 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Thursday.

Chanmari took an early lead through Suangaihmuna’s header in the 15th minute and doubled its advantage in the 43rd minute when Malsawmsanga finished off a well-executed move from close range. Dempo pulled one back just before half-time when Marcus Joseph set up Sebastián Gutiérrez in the 45th minute.

The hosts were reduced to ten men in the 69th minute after Malsawmsanga Renthlei was shown a red card. Dempo took advantage in the 81st minute when Marcus Joseph scored with a powerful strike to make the match 2-2.

Chanmari FC provisionally climbed to the top of the table with five points, while Dempo SC climbed to eighth place with two points after the two sides shared the spoils.

The hosts suffered an early scare in the opening minutes as Dempo threatened, but Chanmari captain and goalkeeper Zothanmawia produced a crucial save to maintain the status quo.

Chanmari then gradually took control of the match, with Brazilian winger Joao Vitor de Paula Morais, popularly known as Jota, continually causing problems for the Dempo defense down the left flank.

The breakthrough came in the 15th minute, Chanmari’s midfielder Christopher Kamei curling a brilliant free kick that hit the post and ricocheted into play. Striker Suangaihmuna reacted quickest and headed the rebound into the net, giving Chanmari the lead.

The home side continued to push forward, with Jota leading most of the attacking moves. In the 38th minute, Suangaihmuna fired a clever through ball into the penalty area for Malsawmsanga KC, whose attempt at an open net was thwarted by a determined Dempo defense.

Four minutes later, Chanmari finally doubled his lead through a slick team move. Baca juga tentang lkj5. Suangaihmuna released Kamei on the left flank and the midfielder delivered a low cross into the center where Malsawmsanga arrived to tap in with his right foot, making the score 2-0.

However, Dempo responded just before half time. In the final minute of regular play, Chanmari’s defense failed to clear a dangerous cross, and the ball fell to Dempo midfielder Sebastián Gutiérrez. He combined with Marcus Leric Jr. Joseph, who put the ball back for the Colombian striker to fire a shot into the net, reducing the deficit at half-time.

The host came out strong after the restart. Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi made a pair of crucial saves in the opening five minutes of the second half to deny Malsawmsanga and Jota and keep his side within striking distance.

Chanmari continued to threaten through Jota, but Sibi remained upright between the posts. Within the first five minutes of the second half, Dempo’s custodian made multiple saves to deny Malsawmsanga and Jota and keep his side in the hunt.

The momentum of the match changed in the 69th minute when Chanmari’s Malsawmsanga Renthlei was shown a red card for denying a potential scoring opportunity, reducing the visitors’ number to ten men.

Dempo sensed an opportunity and pushed forward in search of the equalizer. Two minutes later, defender Pruthvesh Pednekar came close, but his left-footed effort from open play went just wide of the far post.

The pressure finally paid off in the 81st minute. Marcus Joseph won possession high up the pitch and unleashed a powerful shot towards the near post, beating Zothanmawia and making the score 2-2.

In the final phase, both teams pushed for a winner. Despite Dempo throwing men forward in the final minutes, Chanmari held firm defensively to ensure the match ended in a draw.

Published on March 12, 2026