Sreenidi Deccan draws Churchill Brothers’ Gassama; Former I-league winner Ambekar joins Rajasthan United

Two-time I-League runners-up Sreenidi Deccan has strengthened his squad with two new foreign signings – centre-back Hadi Idrissou and midfielder Pape Gassama – ahead of the inaugural season of the Indian Football League (IFL).

The I-League, renamed IFL, starts on February 21 and with the winter transfer window coming to an end, all clubs are trying to finalize their squads on time.

Gassama comes into the team after playing two seasons in India with Delhi FC and Churchill Brothers, and having a fruitful campaign with the Red Machines.

He scored and assisted six goals each for Churchill last season, winning the I-League Midfielder of the Season award. However, his period with Churchill did not end on a memorable note.

The 29-year-old had all the spotlight on him on the final day of play as Churchill took on Real Kashmir, with his side needing a win to clinch the title.

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However, he missed two clear chances in that match – a penalty (saved) and a shot from a cross in the 85th minute (which went wide) – to see Churchill draw the match 1–1 and ultimately cede the title to Inter Kashi.

Meanwhile, Idrissou arrives in India for the first time, joining from top Albanian team FK Bylis. He previously played in the Moroccan Premier Division with Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi.

The club plans to add a striker to the squad before the window ends and has shortlisted former Real Kashmir striker Paulo Ceazar, who scored eight goals and provided one more assist for the I-League last season.

The 32-year-old Brazilian is out of contract and would like to move.

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On the other hand, Indian left-back Abhishek Ambekar has left Sreenidi to return to Rajasthan United after three seasons, two of which he spent with the Hyderabad club.

Ambekar was a key member of Minerva Punjab’s I-League-winning team in 2018, playing for all three Kolkata clubs (East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting). He also won the Calcutta Football League with the Mariners in 2019.

His next destination, Rajasthan United, has also added Spanish striker Jordan Lamela to his arsenal.

The Spaniard previously played for Inter Kashi and Sporting Club Bengaluru, scoring nine goals and seven assists in 47 league and team appearances in Indian football.

Published on January 31, 2026