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Manvir's Wonder Goal Denied as Sreenidi Deccan Rally for 1-1 Draw

Manvir Singh scored a spectacular first-half goal from his own half to give Namdhari SC a surprise lead against the run of play. Sreenidi Deccan dominated possession and pressure, finally equalizing in the 79th minute through Hadi Idrissou. The hosts had multiple late chances to win, including a header off the post, but Namdhari's defense and goalkeeper held firm. The 1-1 draw sees Sreenidi Deccan move up to second in the IFL standings while Namdhari secures a valuable point.

Key Points: IFL: Sreenidi Deccan 1-1 Namdhari SC - Match Report & Highlights

  • Manvir Singh's spectacular long-range goal
  • Hadi Idrissou's crucial equalizer
  • Sreenidi Deccan moves to 2nd place
  • Namdhari SC earns hard-fought away point
  • Niraj Kumar's key late saves
2 min read

IFL 2025-26: Sreenidi Deccan rally to earn a point against Namdhari SC

Manvir Singh's stunning halfway-line strike for Namdhari SC was canceled out by Hadi Idrissou as Sreenidi Deccan fought back for a 1-1 IFL draw.

"Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, Manvir unleashed a stunning effort from well beyond the halfway line."

Hyderabad, March 20

Manvir Singh's spectacular first-half strike from his own half helped Namdhari SC secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena on Thursday.

Despite being held at home, the Deccan Warriors moved up to second place in the standings, while Namdhari picked up a valuable away point. Hadi Idrissou was adjudged Player of the Match for his crucial equaliser.

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

The hosts dominated proceedings from the outset, enjoying as much as 85% possession. However, despite creating several openings, Sreenidi lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

Namdhari struck against the run of play in the 31st minute through a moment of individual brilliance. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, Manvir unleashed a stunning effort from well beyond the halfway line, finding the net with a remarkable long-range strike that gave the visitors the lead at the break.

Sreenidi continued to press in the second half, with David Castañeda going close on multiple occasions. Their best opportunity 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 told in the 79th minute. Substitute Brandon Vanlalremdika delivered a dangerous corner, and after a deflection, Hadi Idrissou reacted quickest to finish clinically and bring the hosts level.

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

Sreenidi piled on some late pressure, carving out opportunities from close range, but goalkeeper Niraj Kumar produced a series of fine saves to keep Namdhari in the contest.

With five minutes of added time, the tension peaked when Deepak's header struck the post and landed inches from the goal line. However, some resolute defending from Gurshan Singh and Kamalpreet Singh Grewal ensured Namdhari held firm to claim a hard-earned point on the road.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Sreenidi had 85% possession but couldn't win. This is becoming a pattern for them – lots of play, no end product. Castañeda missing that one-on-one in the 81st minute sums it up. They need a clinical striker if they want to stay in the top two.
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Rohit P
Great to see an Indian player like Manvir Singh grabbing the headlines with a worldie! And Namdhari's defence, especially Gurshan Singh, was a wall. This is why I love the IFL – unpredictable and full of passion. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this was a thrilling match. End-to-end stuff in the final minutes. Hats off to Harpreet Singh's tactics. To come to Deccan Arena, soak up that much pressure, and get a draw is a masterclass in disciplined football.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, the referee's decisions seemed a bit off today, especially some of the physical challenges let go. But that doesn't take away from Manvir's moment of genius. Pure desi talent on display! Hope he gets a national team call-up soon.
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Karthik V
Heartbreak for Sreenidi fans! Hitting the post in added time... that's so cruel. But credit to Idrissou for never giving up. The league is getting more competitive every season. Can't wait for the next Hyderabad derby!

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