Ludhiana, April 6 – Antonio Moyano delivered a midfield masterclass, scoring a goal and providing three assists as Diamond Harbour FC defeated Namdhari FC 5-4 in a sensational nine-goal thriller in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025–26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana, on Monday.
The result strengthens Diamond Harbour's position at the top of the table, extending their lead over second-placed Sreenidi Deccan FC by four points. Moyano was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
After a cautious start, Diamond Harbour took control and scored in the 23rd minute. Moyano delivered a precise free-kick that found Afolabi unmarked, and the Nigerian forward calmly finished to make it 1-0. Just four minutes later, Luka Majcen doubled the lead, reacting quickly after his initial effort was deflected to score at the second attempt.
Namdhari responded in the 30th minute when Francis Nuer Addo headed Seilenthang Lotjem's free-kick to reduce the deficit. Despite late pressure from the hosts, including a Lamine Moro effort saved by Dheeraj Singh, Diamond Harbour went into the break with their advantage intact.
Namdhari started the second half brightly and equalized in the 47th minute through Manvir Singh, who produced a stunning long-range shot from near the center circle to make it 2-2.
Vicuña responded with changes to regain control, introducing Pintu Mahata in the 62nd minute. Diamond Harbour came close to regaining the lead in the 74th minute when Jobby Justin's acrobatic effort forced a remarkable save from Niraj Kumar.
The match became more intense in the closing stages. Moyano restored Diamond Harbour's lead in the 82nd minute with a composed finish, but Namdhari quickly responded, as Dharmpreet curled in an excellent shot three minutes later to make it 3-3.
The momentum swung again in the 87th minute when Moyano's delivery from a set-piece found Lalliansanga Renthlei, who headed home to put Diamond Harbour back in front.
Deep into stoppage time, Halicharan Narzary appeared to seal the result in the 94th minute with a powerful low shot. However, there was still time for one final twist, as Lamine Moro headed Bhupinder Singh's cross in the 97th minute to make it 4-5.
Despite the late drama, Diamond Harbour held on to secure all three points in a thrilling encounter.