IFL 2025-26: Zomuansanga scores comeback win as Aizawl FC beat Namdhari FC in relegation stages

Aizawl FC came from a goal down to beat Namdhari FC 2-1 to secure three points in the relegation stages of the Indian Football League at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Namdhari took the lead in the 43rd minute through an own goal from Timur Talipov before Aizawl equalized in the 67th minute, thanks to another own goal, this time from Kamalpreet Singh Grewal. Substitute Zomuansanga completed the comeback in the 78th minute with a well-taken finish.

The win took Aizawl’s total to 11 points and sent them to the top of the relegation stages, while Namdhari remained bottom with seven points.

Aizawl started brightly, using their familiarity with the artificial turf to maintain possession and move the ball forward, especially down the left flank through Laltalzova and Lalrempuia. Namdhari took time to settle down but gradually grew into the game.

The first clear chance came in the 15th minute when Seilenthang Lotjem found Rohit with a cross in the penalty area, but his glancing header was well saved by goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia. The Aizawl keeper confidently commanded his area and dealt with Namdhari’s set pieces and long balls, remaining the main attacking threat in the first half.

The breakthrough came two minutes before half time. Bhupinder Singh sent a dangerous cross across the six-yard box and Talipov, as he tried to clear, deflected the ball into his own net, with the goalkeeper standing on the spot.

ALSO READ: Ezzejjari brace, Bipin’s first-half strike helps East Bengal beat Odisha and stay in title race

Aizawl started the second half with more urgency and came close to an equalizer when Laltalzova floated a cross towards the back post. Vanlalhriatzuala aimed his header towards the goal, but was denied by a sharp reflex save from Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar. Moments later, Lalhriatpuia tested Niraj with a low shot from the penalty area.

De Volksclub continued to push and eventually found the equalizer through an own goal. Talipov released Malsawmzuala Tlangte on the right and the winger charged past his marker before drilling a low cross into the box. Vanlalhriatzuala cleared his effort but substitute Kamalpreet got his feet tangled as he tried to clear and diverted the ball into his own net.

Eleven minutes later, Aizawl took the lead with a well-executed move down the left. Laltlanzova picked up Zomuansanga, who had only been introduced a few minutes earlier. The striker took a touch before firing a powerful low shot into the bottom corner on the turn.

Namdhari created a few chances late in the match and in stoppage time but lacked conviction in the final third as Aizawl held on to complete the comeback.

Published on April 29, 2026