IFL 2025-26: Halicharan Narzary shines as Diamond Harbor beats Chanmari FC to extend lead at top

A quick second-half brace inside two minutes by Halicharan Narzary ensured Diamond Harbor FC secured a 3-1 win against Chanmari FC in their IFL 2025-26 clash at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday.

The result saw Diamond Harbor extend its unbeaten run to seven matches and give it a five-point lead at the top of the standings. Chanmari, despite taking an early lead, was unable to maintain the lead.

The match started with Diamond Harbor asserting dominance from the opening whistle. The hosts created numerous chances but were denied by the woodwork and a determined defense from Chanmari.

Luka Majcen saw his effort go just above the crossbar, while Robilal Mandi hit the crossbar in the first seven minutes. A few moments later, Joby Justin saw his header cleared from the goal line by the defender.

Despite registering thirteen shots and creating eight chances in the first half, the hosts were unable to open the scoring. Chanmari struggled to hold on to the ball, but survived the attack and went into the break goalless.

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The visitor took a shocking lead against the run of play in the 48th minute. After clever footwork from Jota to win a free kick, the ball was laid off to Marlon, who unleashed a powerful low shot past a diving Dheeraj to make it 1–0.

The hosts equalized in the 73rd minute when Halicharan’s cross forced a foul from Marlon, who turned the ball into his own net to level the score.

Diamond Harbor piled on the pressure when Antony Moyano’s free kick was tipped over by the goalkeeper and a header was cleared off the line by Jota.

The advantage was finally used in the 81st minute when Halicharan intercepted a misplaced pass from Papuia and scored from a quick counter-attack despite a deflection from Lalruatdika.

Two minutes later, Halicharan struck again, calmly sliding the ball past the diving goalkeeper to extend the lead. Tharpuia’s assist was brilliant and another clinical finish from the Asamese gave Diamond Harbor a two-goal cushion inside two minutes.

Earlier in the day, Dempo SC beat Aizawl FC 3-0 thanks to second-half goals from Marcus Joseph, Jose Luis Moreno and substitute Sebastián Gutiérrez, securing their second straight win.

Dempo moved ahead of his opponent to fifth in the rankings with nine points from nine matches, while Aizawl dropped to sixth with the same number of points.

Published on April 11, 2026