Kalyani, April 11 – A quick-fire brace by Halicharan Narzary within two minutes ensured Diamond Harbour FC a 3-1 victory against Chanmari FC in the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday.
This result ensured Diamond Harbour FC extended their unbeaten run to seven matches and established a five-point lead at the top of the standings. Despite taking an early lead, Chanmari FC were unable to maintain it. Halicharan Narzary was named Player of the Match.
Diamond Harbour FC head coach Kibu Vicuna made three changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Hugo Diaz, Robilal Mandi, and Melroy Melwin Assisi.
Chanmari FC head coach Dipankur Sharma named an unchanged starting XI from their previous match against Real Kashmir FC.
The match began with Diamond Harbour FC asserting dominance from the opening whistle.
The hosts created numerous opportunities but were thwarted by the woodwork and resolute defending by Chanmari. Luka Majcen's attempt went just above the crossbar, while Robilal Mandi struck the crossbar within the opening seven minutes. A few moments later, Joby Justin saw his header cleared off the goal line by the defender.
Despite registering 13 shots and creating eight chances in the first half, the hosts could not score. Chanmari FC struggled to retain possession but managed to survive the onslaught and enter the interval goalless. The visitors then took a surprise lead in the 48th minute. Following clever footwork from Jota to win a free-kick, the ball was laid off to Marlon, who unleashed a powerful low shot past a diving Dheeraj to make it 1-0.
Chanmari FC enjoyed a strong fifteen-minute spell following the goal, maintaining better possession, but Diamond Harbour FC slowly regained their momentum and began to mount sustained attacks.
The hosts' persistence was rewarded in the 73rd minute when a cross from Halicharan Narzary forced an error from Marlon, who turned the ball into his own net to level the score. Diamond Harbour FC intensified their pressure, seeing an Antony Moyano free-kick tipped over by the goalkeeper and a header cleared off the line by Jota. The advantage was finally seized in the 81st minute when Halicharan intercepted a misplaced pass from Papuia to score from a swift counter-attack despite a deflection from Lalruatdika.
Two minutes later, Halicharan struck again, calmly slotting it past the diving goalkeeper to extend the lead. Tharpuia's assist was brilliant, and another clinical finish by the Assamese gave Diamond Harbour a two-goal cushion within two minutes.
Diamond Harbour FC controlled the remaining minutes to seal a 3-1 victory in front of their home crowd.