Hyderabad, April 4 – Sreenidi Deccan FC will face Aizawl FC in a crucial match of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 as the race for the top half of the table intensifies at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Sreenidi Deccan could temporarily take the lead with 14 points if they win, putting pressure on the other teams around them in the table. A win for Aizawl FC would see them level on points with their opponents.
In the previous round, Sreenidi Deccan drew 0-0 with Shillong Lajong at the Deccan Arena, with experienced goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh putting in a stellar performance for his team. Meanwhile, Aizawl FC will be hoping to bounce back from a 2-4 defeat to Gokulam Kerala in the previous round, which was played further south in Manjeri.
The hosts have been consistent this season, losing only once and defeating their rivals for the top spots, Diamond Harbour FC and Gokulam Kerala FC, and drawing with Shillong Lajong FC.
Head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto also emphasized that consistency will be key for any team to win the league this season. "I believe that the team that is the most consistent until the end of the season will win the league. The top of the table is very competitive, and the team with the strongest squad, with fewer injuries, will ultimately prevail."
Aizawl FC, known as "The People's Club," started the season well with a win and two draws, but have lost two of their previous three matches. Assistant Coach, Samuel Lalrinngheta Fanai, mentioned that the team needs to concentrate for the entire duration of the match. "We conceded two goals very early in the last match. We will need to concentrate for every minute to stay in the game and defend better to achieve a positive result against Sreenidi," he said.
Sreenidi Deccan has a better head-to-head record against Aizawl FC, with four wins and two draws in seven games, while Aizawl have only won once. In the previous encounter at the same venue, the home team won 3-0, with goals from Gurmukh Singh, Lalromawia, and David Castañeda.
New Sreenidi Deccan signing, Fabrice Kah, has been surprised by the physicality of the Indian Football League. "I did not expect to need to run this much in Indian football. The physicality has been very challenging, as we have to engage in more duels and always be prepared for challenges from the opponents and keep up with them," the Cameroonian said.
Aizawl FC, who will be playing back-to-back away matches after playing their first four matches at home, will need to adapt to the different weather conditions. "The weather is very different from what we are used to back home, and we have not had much time to adjust. We need to adapt accordingly and not make excuses," Samuel added.
Aizawl FC forward, Zomuansanga, remains confident about his team's chances. "Tomorrow's match is very important. If we win, we will be able to reach the top half of the table. For us, a win is absolutely necessary. The team is highly motivated, and we cannot make excuses for what has happened outside the field. We just have to fight and play with everything we have and show our skills on the field," he said.
A victory for Aizawl FC would take them to 11 points and put them in the top half of the table, while a win for Sreenidi Deccan would put pressure on their immediate rivals in Hyderabad.