Aizawl, March 7 – Lalruatsanga's dramatic stoppage-time goal proved decisive as Chanmari FC defeated Sreenidi Deccan FC 2-1 to win their first match in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday.
This result gave the newly promoted Chanmari FC their first win of the season, placing them provisionally second in the points table with four points, while Sreenidi Deccan are third with three.
Chanmari FC Head Coach Victor Lalbiakmawia made one change to his starting lineup, 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, fielding Aryan Niraj Lamba in goal in place of the injured Bhaskar Roy.
The match started at a slow pace, with both teams focusing on ball possession and reluctant to attack. As the half progressed, Sreenidi Deccan began to dominate and dictate the flow of the game. The visitors created a couple of clear one-on-one opportunities to break the deadlock, but Hardik Bhatt and Fabrice Kah missed their chances, keeping the score level at halftime.
The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, against the run of play. Capitalising on a defensive mistake from Sreenidi, Suanngaihmuana provided a smart assist for Jota, who unleashed a superb finish that left the goalkeeper completely clueless, giving Chanmari a 1-0 lead.
Sreenidi Deccan responded with attacking intent and equalised 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 plans. In the 93rd minute (90+3'), substitute Lalruatsanga latched onto a sharp assist from Jota and produced a clinical finish to break Sreenidi's hearts, securing a sensational 2-1 victory for the Aizawl-based team.
