Diamond Harbor FC ensured they stay on top with a comfortable 2-0 win over Chanmari FC in the Championship phase of the Indian Football League at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday.
Antonio Moyano put Diamond Harbor ahead in the 35th minute and the match was stopped late in the 87th minute by substitute R. Ramdinthara. Antonio Moyano was named Player of the Match.
Diamond Harbor consolidated its first place with 25 points from 10 matches, while Chanmari remained fifth with 11 points from the same number of matches.
Chanmari FC head coach Dipankur Sharma made one change to his attack, with KC Malsawmsanga replacing Aron Vanlalrinchhana. Meanwhile, Kibu Vicuña handed fullback K. Ajith Kumar his first start of the season in place of Naresh Singh and also brought in Afolabi for Hugo Díaz in midfield on Sunday.
Both sides struggled to break each other’s defences, with the game played in tight spaces and much of the battle taking place in midfield as they contested possession. Chanmari looked sharp in attack, with Jota and KC Malsawmsanga using their pace to drive forward, while Diamond Harbor patiently built up their movements and posed a threat in transition.
The visitor almost scored halfway through the first half with a well-worked move. Luka Majcen was released down the left wing and the striker found Antonio Moyano in the penalty area. The midfielder turned and shot towards goal, which was well saved by goalkeeper Zothanmawia, and the rebound was dragged wide by Paul Ramfangzauva.
Diamond Harbor took the lead in the 35th minute thanks to Moyano’s individual brilliance. The Spaniard received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, evaded a few defenders and sent a powerful shot onto the post and found the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season.
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Chanmari looked threatening in the build-up but Aizawl’s side missed the final mark, with the attackers shooting from distance and showing a lack of composure. Malsawmsanga, Pepe and Lalruatsanga all had attempts on goal but they failed to trouble Dheeraj Singh as Diamond Harbor took a one-goal lead at half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Chanmari starting brightly while Diamond Harbor seemed to slow the pace. Malsawmsanga, who continued to trouble the defense with his pace, tested Dheeraj with a low shot across goal, forcing a fingertip save from the goalkeeper.
At the other end, Zothanmawia pulled off an acrobatic save to keep Melroy Assisi’s header out of a set-piece around the hour mark. The visitor was content to maintain possession in the opponent’s half and looked to create chances through set pieces and quick counter-attacks.
The leaders seemed firmly under control and were rarely under pressure despite Chanmari’s search for the equalizer. The match was eventually wrapped up three minutes from time, when substitute Ramdinthara beat his marker at the far post and headed in Bryce Miranda’s cross from the left to secure all three points.
The home side tried to salvage something late on but Diamond Harbour, despite not being at their best, finished the game comfortably and secured only their second clean sheet of the season.
Published on April 25, 2026
