Former champions Dempo SC staged a spirited comeback to hold Chanmari FC to a 2–2 draw in an entertaining clash in Gameweek 3 of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025–26 Stage 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Thursday.
Chanmari appeared firmly in control of the contest after establishing a two-goal lead through Suangaihmuna (15’) and Malsawmsanga (43’). However, Dempo showed resilience to claw their way back into the match with goals from Sebastián Gutiérrez (45’) and Marcus Joseph (81’). The result sees Chanmari FC provisionally move to the top of the table with five points, while Dempo SC climbed to eighth place with two points after both sides shared the spoils.
Chanmari Take Early Control
The match began with both teams looking to assert themselves early, but it was Dempo who created the first moment of danger.
Within the opening minutes, the visitors threatened the Chanmari goal, but captain and goalkeeper Zothanmawia produced an important save to keep the scores level.
After surviving the early scare, Chanmari gradually took control of the contest. The hosts began to dominate possession and create opportunities, largely driven by the attacking threat of Brazilian winger Joao Vitor de Paula Morais, popularly known as Jota, who consistently troubled the Dempo defence with his pace and movement down the left flank.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 15th minute.
Midfielder Christopher Kamei delivered a beautifully curled free-kick that struck the post and bounced back into play. Suangaihmuna, reacting quickly to the rebound, rose highest to head the ball into the net and give Chanmari a deserved 1–0 lead.
With the home crowd behind them, Chanmari continued to push forward in search of another goal.
Jota remained the focal point of their attacks, constantly stretching the Dempo defence and creating space for teammates. In the 38th minute, Suangaihmuna played a clever through ball inside the penalty area for Malsawmsanga KC, whose attempt toward an open goal was blocked by a desperate defensive effort from Dempo.
However, Chanmari would soon find their second goal. In the 43rd minute, the hosts executed a well-worked attacking move. Suangaihmuna released Kamei down the left flank, and the midfielder delivered a low cross into the centre of the box.
Malsawmsanga arrived at the perfect moment and calmly tapped the ball home from close range to make it 2–0, putting Chanmari in a commanding position heading into the final minutes of the first half.
Just when it seemed that Chanmari would enter the break with a comfortable lead, Dempo found a crucial lifeline. In the 45th minute, a defensive lapse allowed Dempo to create a dangerous opportunity. The Chanmari defence failed to clear a cross into the box, and the loose ball fell to Sebastián Gutiérrez.
The Colombian striker combined neatly with Marcus Joseph, who laid the ball back into his path. Gutiérrez then fired a powerful shot into the net to reduce the deficit to 2–1, giving Dempo renewed belief heading into the second half.
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Chanmari came out strongly after the restart, determined to restore their two-goal advantage. Within the first five minutes of the second half, Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi was forced into action multiple times. The shot-stopper produced crucial saves to deny both Malsawmsanga and Jota, keeping his side within touching distance.
Despite Chanmari’s attacking pressure, Sibi’s impressive performance ensured that Dempo remained in contention.
Red Card Changes the Momentum
The turning point of the match arrived in the 69th minute. Chanmari’s Malsawmsanga Renthlei was shown a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, reducing the hosts to ten men.
The numerical advantage immediately shifted the momentum in Dempo’s favour. Sensing an opportunity, the visitors pushed forward aggressively in search of an equaliser. Just two minutes later, defender Pruthvesh Pednekar came close to scoring, but his left-footed attempt from open play narrowly missed the far post.
Marcus Joseph Completes the Comeback
Dempo’s persistence finally paid off in the 81st minute.
Forward Marcus Joseph, who had been influential throughout the match, won possession high up the pitch. With quick thinking and powerful execution, he unleashed a fierce strike toward the near post that beat goalkeeper Zothanmawia and found the back of the net.
The goal brought Dempo level at 2–2, completing an impressive comeback after trailing by two goals earlier in the match.
Late Push but No Winner
The final minutes of the game saw both sides pushing for a winner. Despite being reduced to ten men, Chanmari remained organised defensively and attempted to threaten on the counterattack. Dempo, meanwhile, continued to press forward, hoping to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
However, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough.
When the final whistle blew, the teams were forced to settle for a 2–2 draw in what had been an entertaining and dramatic encounter.
For Chanmari FC, the draw keeps them near the top of the table and extends their positive start to the season. For Dempo SC, the comeback result offers encouragement as they continue to rebuild momentum in the league. As the Indian Football League 2025–26 season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance in their upcoming fixtures.
