IFL 2025-26: Shillong Lajong FC registers late win over Chanmari FC

Shillong Lajong FC came from behind to beat Chanmari FC 2-1 in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Thursday, thanks to a brace from Phrangki Buam.

The win takes Shillong to the top of the table with seven points from four games, surpassing Rajasthan United on goal difference, while Chanmari are sixth with five points from as many games.

Chanmari drew first blood in the 16th minute when Christo Kamei curled a stunning left-footed free-kick over the wall after a foul from Shillong skipper Kenstar Kharshong. The early exchange saw both sides create chances, with Shillong goalkeeper Siwel Rymbai making crucial stops from Suamsawnga and Jota.

Despite Chanmari dominating possession and launching regular attacks, Shillong drew level in first-half stoppage time. Everbrightson Sana’s sharp run behind the defense forced Chanmari goalkeeper Zothanmawia into a mistimed challenge, resulting in a penalty.

Buam converted powerfully and hit the underside of the crossbar before the ball crossed the line, sending the teams into halftime at 1-1.

ALSO READ: Mahesh Gawli appointed as head coach of India U-20 men’s team

Chanmari resumed the second half on the front foot, with Amuana and Jota wasting opportunities to regain the lead. Shillong gradually grew into the game after introducing Tremeiki alongside Buam, adding pace and creativity up front.

In the final moments, Shillong’s substitutes made a decisive impact. Jakob ran down the left flank and set up Buam, who made no mistake in the 90+5′ minute to secure a dramatic victory.

With the win, Shillong Lajong FC continues its strong start to the season while Chanmari FC will rue missed opportunities that proved costly in a closely contested encounter.

Sreenidi Deccan earns a point against Namdhari SC

Manvir Singh’s spectacular first-half strike from his own half helped Namdhari SC to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena on Thursday.

Despite being held at home, the Deccan Warriors moved to second place in the standings with Namdhari picking up a valuable away point. Hadi Idrissou was named Player of the Match for his crucial equalizer.

Sreenidi Deccan head coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto named an unchanged starting XI. Namdhari head coach Harpreet Singh, meanwhile, made two changes as Manvir Singh and Mohammad Sajid Dhot replaced Abdoulaye Diallo and Lamine Moro.

The hosts dominated the game from the start and had a whopping 85 percent possession. However, despite creating several openings, Sreenidi missed the lead in the final third.

Namdhari struck against the run of play in the 31st minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Manvir saw the goalkeeper off his line and unleashed a stunning effort from well beyond the half-way line. He found the net with a remarkable long-range strike that put the visitor ahead at half-time.

Sreenidi continued to apply pressure in the second half, with David Castañeda coming close several times. The best chance came in the 58th minute, but his header drifted inches over the crossbar. Namdhari remained disciplined and compact, sticking to their game plan and limiting space in the final third.

The pressure finally showed in the 79th minute. Substitute Brandon Vanlalremdika delivered a dangerous corner and after a deflection, Hadi Idrissou reacted quickest to finish clinically and draw the hosts level.

Moments later, Castañeda squandered a golden one-on-one chance in the 81st minute, but failed to convert when well placed.

Sreenidi applied some late pressure and created chances from close range, but goalkeeper Niraj Kumar produced a series of fine saves to keep Namdhari in the match.

With five minutes of extra time, the tension reached a peak when Deepak’s header hit the post and ended up inches from the goal line. However, determined defense from Gurshan Singh and Kamalpreet Singh Grewal ensured Namdhari held on and claimed a hard-earned point on the road.

Published on March 19, 2026