Sreenidi Deccan FC were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Aizawl FC in the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025–26 at the Deccan Arena on Sunday, as a late own goal cancelled out David Castañeda’s first-half strike in a contest that highlighted both dominance and resilience in equal measure.
The hosts appeared on course for all three points after controlling large parts of the game and taking the lead through their Colombian forward in the 29th minute. However, a defensive lapse late in the second half saw Jagdeep Singh inadvertently turn the ball into his own net, allowing Aizawl to snatch a valuable point away from home.
The result moves Sreenidi Deccan up to second place in the standings with 12 points from seven matches, though they remain behind Diamond Harbour FC, who have a game in hand. Aizawl FC, meanwhile, stay in fifth position with nine points, continuing to remain within touching distance of the top half in what is proving to be a tightly contested league campaign.
Sreenidi Deccan began the match with clear intent, asserting control early through possession and territorial advantage. Their approach revolved around structured build-up play and pressing high to pin Aizawl back in their own half. This early pressure translated into multiple set-piece opportunities, as the hosts consistently won free-kicks in advanced areas.
David Castañeda and Lalromawia both came close during this phase. The former saw an early effort drift wide, while the latter struck the crossbar from a well-placed free-kick, signalling Sreenidi’s growing dominance and hinting at an impending breakthrough.
That breakthrough arrived just before the half-hour mark. A long, measured ball from Hardik Bhatt found Castañeda in space near the edge of the penalty area. Demonstrating his technical quality, the Colombian controlled the ball with his back to goal, executed a sharp turn, and unleashed a right-footed strike that beat Lalhruai at the near post. It was a goal that reflected both individual skill and Sreenidi’s attacking intent.
With the lead secured, Sreenidi continued to press for a second goal, looking to put the game beyond reach before halftime. Paulo Cezar, who was a constant presence in the attacking third, nearly doubled the advantage in stoppage time, but his close-range header drifted wide. Despite their control and chances created, the hosts had to settle for a narrow 1-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw a shift in dynamics, largely influenced by Aizawl’s tactical adjustments. Recognising the need to disrupt Sreenidi’s rhythm, the visitors began to adopt a more direct style of play. Head coach adjustments around the hour mark, including the introduction of fresh legs, helped Aizawl gain a foothold in the contest.
Sreenidi, however, maintained their pressing structure, continuing to disrupt Aizawl’s attempts to build from the back. This forced the visitors to rely increasingly on long balls, particularly from Uzbek defender Timur Talipov, who looked to exploit spaces behind the defensive line.
As the game progressed, Aizawl grew in confidence, committing more players forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 86th minute, albeit in fortunate circumstances. Captain Rempuia delivered a cross from the right flank into the penalty area, and Jagdeep Singh, attempting to clear under pressure, mistimed his header. The ball looped over goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh and into the net, levelling the score at 1-1.
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The late equaliser shifted momentum in Aizawl’s favour, while Sreenidi were left to regroup quickly and push for a winner in the closing stages. With seven minutes of added time, the hosts threw numbers forward, but Aizawl’s defence held firm, showing composure and discipline to see out the remainder of the match.
From a tactical standpoint, the match highlighted contrasting phases. Sreenidi’s structured dominance in the first half showcased their ability to control games through possession and pressing. However, their inability to convert additional chances proved costly. Aizawl, on the other hand, demonstrated adaptability and resilience, adjusting their approach and capitalising on a late opportunity to secure a point.
For Sreenidi Deccan, the result will feel like a missed opportunity, particularly given their control over large stretches of the game. Converting dominance into decisive results remains an area they will need to address as the league progresses.
Aizawl FC, meanwhile, will take confidence from their comeback, especially in an away fixture against one of the league’s top-performing sides. Their ability to stay in the contest and respond under pressure reflects a growing maturity within the squad.
As the IFL season continues to unfold, both teams remain firmly in contention in a congested table. For Sreenidi, the focus will be on maintaining consistency while improving efficiency in front of goal. For Aizawl, the challenge will be to build on this resilience and turn draws into wins as they push for a higher finish.
In the end, it was a match that encapsulated the unpredictable nature of league football where control does not always guarantee victory, and persistence can be just as decisive as dominance.
