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Goalkeepers Steal Show as Sreenidi Deccan, Shillong Lajong Draw 0-0

Sreenidi Deccan FC and Shillong Lajong FC played out a 0-0 draw in a crucial Indian Football League encounter. Both goalkeepers, Kamaljit Singh and Siwel Rymbai, were outstanding, making several key saves to keep the clean sheets. The result sees Sreenidi Deccan move to the top of the table, level on points with Shillong Lajong and Rajasthan United. Despite chances for both sides, the defences held firm in a tightly contested match.

Key Points: IFL: Sreenidi Deccan vs Shillong Lajong Ends in Goalless Draw

  • Goalless top-of-the-table stalemate
  • Goalkeepers Kamaljit Singh & Siwel Rymbai star
  • Sreenidi Deccan moves to top spot
  • Both defences hold firm in tactical battle
2 min read

IFL 2025-26: Goalkeepers shine as Sreenidi Deccan, Shillong Lajong play out a stalemate

Top-of-the-table IFL clash ends 0-0 as goalkeepers Kamaljit Singh and Siwel Rymbai shine with crucial saves. Read the match report.

"Kamaljit Singh was adjudged the Player of the Match. - Match Report"

Hyderabad, April 1

Sreenidi Deccan FC and Shillong Lajong FC played out a goalless draw in a top-of-the-table clash as both sides settled for a point in a closely contested encounter of the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

The two teams came into the match level on points, and the contest lived up to expectations with a tactical battle where both defences held firm and goalkeepers stood out with crucial saves. Sreenidi Deccan FC moved to the top of the table with 11 points, while Shillong Lajong sit just behind them, level on points alongside Rajasthan United FC. Sreenidi goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh was adjudged the Player of the Match.

Sreenidi Deccan head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto made two changes to his starting XI, bringing in Rolieny Nonato, Luis Bonevacia, and Brandon Vanlalremdika in midfield, while Shillong Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa retained the same lineup from their previous outing.

The hosts enjoyed more possession in the opening exchanges, probing for openings, but Shillong's defence remained compact. The first major chance came in the 11th minute when Sreenidi captain David Castañeda tested Siwel Rymbai from distance, but the goalkeeper produced a crucial save.

Shillong gradually grew into the game and looked dangerous on the counter. Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah came close on multiple occasions, while Phrangki Buam nearly broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half with a long-range free-kick that forced a brilliant diving save from Kamaljit Singh.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Sreenidi controlling possession and Shillong relying on quick transitions. Castañeda had another opportunity just before the hour mark but failed to hit the target, while substitute Paulo Cézar was denied by an alert Rymbai.

Shillong also created openings through Sana and substitute Abhay Gurung, but lacked the finishing touch in the final third.

As the game entered the closing stages, both teams pushed forward in search of a winner. Sreenidi came closest in the 86th minute when Pape Gassama delivered a precise free-kick into the box, but Paulo Cézar's header was once again kept out by an outstanding save from Rymbai.

With both goalkeepers in fine form and defences holding strong, the attackers could not find much joy as the game ended 0-0.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Both teams will be a bit frustrated I think. So many chances, especially for Shillong on the counter. The finishing just wasn't there. Everbrightson Sana needs to be more clinical. Still, a point each is fair.
V
Vikram M
Great to see the IFL getting so competitive! A top-of-the-table clash ending goalless shows how tight the league is. The real winners today were the defences. Hope this quality continues.
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it was a fascinating tactical battle. Shillong's compact shape and counter strategy worked perfectly against Sreenidi's possession. Coach Thapa deserves credit. A draw was the right result.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the goalkeepers were great, the match highlights a problem in Indian football – lack of quality strikers. So many moves broke down in the final third. We need to develop better forwards.
P
Priya S
Siwel Rymbai was a wall! That save from Paulo Cézar's header in the 86th minute... wow! Shillong Lajong fans must be so proud. Taking a point away from Hyderabad is a big achievement. 🔴⚫

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