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Goalkeepers Steal Show in Top-of-Table IFL Stalemate Between Sreenidi & Shillong

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

Key Points: IFL: Sreenidi Deccan, Shillong Lajong Draw 0-0 in Top Clash

  • Goalless top-of-table clash
  • Goalkeepers Kamaljit Singh & Siwel Rymbai shine
  • Sreenidi Deccan moves to first place
  • Defensive discipline from both sides
2 min read

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

A goalless draw sees Sreenidi Deccan FC top the IFL table after a tense clash with Shillong Lajong FC, where goalkeepers were the standout performers.

"both goalkeepers in fine form and defences holding strong - Match Report"

Hyderabad, April 1

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

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, according to a release.

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 as 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 Castaneda 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. Castaneda had another opportunity just before the hour mark but failed to hit the target, while substitute Paulo Cezar 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 Cezar'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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I loved this. Shows how much Indian football has improved. The goalkeeping was world-class from both ends. Siwel Rymbai's save in the 86th minute was unbelievable! A point each is fair, but the title race just got tighter.
V
Vikram M
A bit frustrating as a Sreenidi fan. We had the possession but lacked that final killer pass. Castaneda needs to be more clinical. Respect to Shillong's defence though, they came with a solid plan and executed it perfectly. On to the next one!
P
Priya S
So proud of our boys from the Northeast! Shillong Lajong held their own away against a strong Hyderabad side. Everbrightson Sana was a constant threat. Just need to work on finishing. The future is bright for Indian football if this is the quality.
R
Rohit P
With all due respect to the goalkeepers' heroics, I have to say the match lacked attacking intent in the final third. Both teams seemed too cautious, playing not to lose rather than to win. IFL needs more goals to attract casual fans. Just my two paise.
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Kavya N
Kamaljit Singh for the national team! His consistency is amazing. Also, great to see Indian coaches like Birendra Thapa doing well. Hope the AIFF is watching. The league is getting more competitive every season. Jai Hind!

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