IFL 2025-26 — Chanmari FC fights back to hold Rajasthan United to a draw

Chanmari FC scored twice in stoppage time to salvage a dramatic 2-2 draw against Rajasthan United FC in the Indian Football League 2025-26 Championship Phase match at the Kalyani Stadium on Tuesday.

Rajasthan looked set to secure its first win of the championship stage after building a two-goal lead through Gerard Artigas and Thomyo L.Shimray, but Chanmari made a late comeback through Lalruatsanga in stoppage time before substitute Michael Lalbiaksanga struck a dramatic equalizer in the 98th minute. to earn a point.

Rajasthan ends the season in fourth place with 18 points, while Chanmari is provisionally fifth with 15 points.

Rajasthan United controlled possession in the early stages, but Chanmari regularly threatened on the counter-attack through Lalruatsanga and João Vitor de Paula Morais (Jota).

Around the 25th minute, Rajasthan took the lead after a defensive error. Goalkeeper Zothanmawia was taken off his line after a misplaced back pass from defender Zothanpuia, allowing attacker Artigas to capitalize and finish calmly from a distance.

Chanmari continued to threaten transitions, with Jota causing problems from large areas. However, Rajasthan struck again midway through half-time. Midfielder Kiatalua Tadeu Emous (Norberto), after winning the ball, fired a precise through ball into the path of Thomyo on the right. The winger rounded the goalkeeper before finishing from a tight angle.

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Chanmari started the second half with urgency and thought it had reduced the deficit within the first five minutes. Midfielder Joel Lalramengmawia struck from distance after a struggle in the penalty area, but the effort was ruled out for offside as the ball went through Lalruatsanga’s legs.

The breakthrough finally came in injury time. In the 92nd minute, a high throw from the right found Lalruatsanga, who guided the ball into the net with his chest to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Chanmari kept going and found the equalizer deep into extra time. After a partially cleared corner in the 98th minute, substitute Lalbiaksanga hit a long shot from the right. Dinesh failed to collect the ball cleanly and slipped through his legs and over the line to complete the comeback.

Published on May 19, 2026