IFL 2025-26: Sreenidi Deccan past Rajasthan United; Real Kashmir beats Gokulam Kerala

Sreenidi Deccan FC defeated Rajasthan United FC 2-1 to earn three crucial points in a match that saw both teams reduced to 10 men in the Indian Football League 2025-26 match at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Sunday.

Brandon Vanlalremdika and Lalthankhuma scored for the home side, while Issac Nortey found the net for Rajasthan. PP Shafeel was shown a straight red card in the 48th minute, while Lalromawia was sent off after two yellow cards.

Sreenidi temporarily occupies the second spot with 15 points from eight matches, while Rajasthan are below them in third place with 14 points.

The home side have looked their sharpest in the early matches, with Rajasthan looking a little disorganized after numerous changes to their usual line-up. Brandon was particularly lively in midfield and had an early effort blocked from distance after being given too much space.

Rajasthan’s defense repeated the same mistake soon after, allowing Brandon time on the ball in midfield again, and he made them pay in the 17th minute. Driving forward after gaining possession, he unleashed a thunderous strike from distance that flew past the goalkeeper, who stood on the spot.

Rajasthan began to apply pressure as the home side sat contentedly, defending their lead and looking to hit the counter. Sreenidi held his ground at the back, protecting his penalty area well and denying the opposition further clear chances as they carried their slim one-goal lead into half-time.

Rajasthan were reduced to ten men just three minutes after the restart. Defender Shafeel, in an attempt to win an aerial duel, smashed his arm into Lalromawia’s head, leaving the referee with no choice but to issue a straight red card.

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Despite being a man down, the visitor created the clearer chances and looked particularly dangerous from set pieces.

The persistent pressure finally paid off just before the 75th minute, when the Desert Warriors found the equalizer from a set piece. Issac Nortey rose above his marker to fire a header from Jonathan Fernandes’ corner past the goalkeeper.

Parity in numbers was restored shortly after the goal when Sreenidi was also reduced to ten men, with Lalromawia sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the match.

Sreenidi took the lead seven minutes before the end with another effort from distance. Lalthankhuma received the ball on the edge of the box and, with minimal backlift, unleashed a powerful strike that beat goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri and found the back of the net.

It was the fourth win of the season for the home side and confirmed its place in the top six ahead of the second round.

Earlier in the day, Real Kashmir FC produced a stunning second-half performance to beat Gokulam Kerala FC 6-2 and secure their first win of the league match.

Moses Lalrinzuala had put Gokulam ahead in the 13th minute but Shedrack Charles equalized just four minutes later. The hosts then took control after half-time, with Ahteeb Ahmad finding the net, Marius Obekop scoring a brace and late goals from Junior Traore and Calvin Baretto sealed an emphatic victory. Benjamin Kuku pulled one back for Gokulam in the second half.

The comprehensive result gives a significant boost to the Snow Leopards’ survival hopes, while dealing a major blow to Gokulam’s ambitions of finishing in the top six.

Published on April 12, 2026