Aizawl, March 20 – Antonio Moyano's brilliant double in the second half proved decisive as Diamond Harbour FC secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Aizawl FC in Match 19 of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Friday.
Diamond Harbour climbed to the top of the table after their third consecutive win of the season, with nine points, while Aizawl FC dropped to seventh with five points. Antonio Moyano was named the Player of the Match.
Both teams set up in a 4-3-3 formation. Aizawl FC head coach R. Lalruatfela made two changes to his starting eleven, bringing in Laldanmawia and Eric Remruatpuia Chhangte in place of Laldawngzuala and Vanlalawmpuia. Diamond Harbour gaffer Kibu Vicuña also made two changes, handing starts to Sunday Kolawole Afolabi and R Ramdinthara at the expense of Jobby Justin and Hugo Díaz Rodríguez.
Diamond Harbour dominated from the first whistle, constantly attacking and maintaining possession with 74% of the ball. Aizawl were content to play a waiting game and gradually found their rhythm after 20 minutes.
The momentum shift created a couple of half-chances for the hosts as they improved their possession towards the end of the first half. Although Diamond Harbour were the better side in the first half, Aizawl defended resolutely, preventing any clear-cut opportunities and keeping the visitors' major threat, Luka Majcen, relatively quiet for most of the period.
The deadlock was finally broken shortly after the restart in the 47th minute. Capitalising on a poor clearance from Aizawl defender Rohmingthanga, Moyano picked up the loose ball and produced a precise finish. The Spanish midfielder calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia to give his side the lead.
The match intensified as Aizawl began attacking in search of an equaliser, but they still lacked the cutting edge to create clear openings.
However, it was the visitors who doubled their advantage in the 77th minute. Bryce Miranda ran past two defenders to create an almost perfect chance, setting up Moyano with an empty net. Moyano made no mistake, clinically securing his second goal of the night.
After the second goal, Diamond Harbour completely controlled the proceedings. An additional 11 minutes were announced after play had to be briefly halted due to mist and poor light.
Aizawl did win a couple of late corners, but they failed to cause any threat to the Diamond Harbour defence. The visitors maintained complete dominance from the first whistle to the last, securing a crucial away victory.