IFL 2025-26: Lalruatsanga's stoppage-time strike gives Chanmari FC three points against Sreenidi Deccan
Aizawl, March 7
Lalruatsanga's dramatic stoppage-time strike proved decisive as Chanmari FC edged past Sreenidi Deccan FC 2-1 to register a victory in Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday.
The result handed the newly-promoted Chanmari FC their first win of the season to climb provisionally to second in the points table with four points, while Sreenidi Deccan are third in the table with three.
Chanmari FC Head Coach Victor Lalbiakmawia made a single alteration to his starting line-up, bringing in Brazilian forward Joao Vitor De Paula Morais (Jota) to lead the attack ahead of Aron Vanlalrinchhana. Sreenidi Deccan head coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto also made one forced change to his starting eleven, handing Aryan Niraj Lamba the start in goal in place of the injured Bhaskar Roy.
The match moved at a slow pace in the opening 15 minutes, with both teams focusing on ball possession and reluctant to attack. As the half progressed, Sreenidi Deccan began to dictate the course of play and dominated the proceedings. The visitors created a couple of golden one-on-one opportunities to break the deadlock, but Hardik Bhatt and Fabrice Kah squandered their chances, ensuring the scoreline remained goalless at the interval.
The hosts finally broke the deadlock at the hour mark against the run of play. Capitalising on a defensive lapse from Sreenidi, Suanngaihmuana provided a smart assist for Jota, who unleashed a superb finish that left the goalkeeper completely clueless, handing Chanmari a 1-0 lead.
Sreenidi Deccan responded with attacking intent and found their equaliser in the 80th minute. Substitute Paulo Cezar Pereira Dos Santos made an immediate impact off the bench, producing a smart header from a precise Hardik Bhatt assist to restore parity and set up a tense few minutes.
With five minutes of added time announced, the game seemed destined for a 1-1 draw. However, Chanmari FC had other ideas. In the 93rd minute (90+3'), substitute Lalruatsanga latched onto a sharp assist from Jota and produced a clinical finish to break Sreenidi hearts, securing a sensational 2-1 victory for the Aizawl-based outfit.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking for Sreenidi Deccan. They dominated play for large parts and created chances but couldn't finish. Hardik Bhatt and Fabrice Kah will be kicking themselves. That's football - you have to be clinical.
Jota with a goal and an assist! The Brazilian is showing his class. Smart move by the coach to start him. But full credit to the local lad Lalruatsanga for staying alert and finishing like a pro. Aizawl must be buzzing tonight!
Respectfully, the match report glosses over the first half. It says the pace was slow, but was it poor tactics or just cautious play from both sides? As a fan, I want to see more attacking intent from the start, not just in reaction to going behind.
So proud of our boys from Mizoram! 🏆 The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium must have erupted. This is a massive three points for a newly-promoted side. Shows great character to win it so late after conceding the equaliser. #ChanmariFC
Tough luck for young Aryan Niraj Lamba in goal for Sreenidi. Thrown in due to injury and concedes a late winner. Hope Bhaskar Roy recovers soon, but this is valuable experience for the backup keeper. The IFL is producing some exciting, unpredictable matches this season.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.