Aizawl FC Fight Back To Beat Namdhari FC In Crucial Relegation Battle

Aizawl FC produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Namdhari FC 2-1 in their relegation stage clash of the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

After falling behind late in the first half due to an unfortunate own goal from defender Timur Talipov, Aizawl responded strongly after the break with sustained attacking pressure. An own goal from Namdhari substitute Kamalpreet Singh Grewal brought the Mizoram-based side level before substitute Zomuansanga completed the turnaround with a composed finish in the 78th minute. The victory lifted Aizawl FC to the top of the relegation-stage standings with 11 points, while Namdhari remained rooted to the bottom with seven points.

Aizawl FC looked more comfortable from the opening whistle, making good use of the artificial turf conditions and moving the ball sharply through midfield. The left flank quickly became their primary attacking outlet, with Laltlanzova and Lalrempuia stretching the Namdhari defence through their pace and direct running. Aizawl controlled possession during the early stages and attempted to pin Namdhari deep inside their own half.

Namdhari initially struggled to settle into the contest but gradually grew into the game as the half progressed. Their approach relied heavily on direct balls, set-pieces, and crosses into the box — a strategy that slowly began causing problems for the Aizawl backline. The first major chance of the match arrived in the 15th minute.

Seilenthang Lotjem delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, finding Rohit in space inside the box. The forward managed to glance his header toward goal, but Aizawl goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia reacted sharply to produce an important save. The goalkeeper remained composed throughout the opening half, confidently dealing with aerial deliveries and long balls directed into dangerous areas.

Despite Aizawl’s territorial control, it was Namdhari who eventually broke the deadlock shortly before half-time. In the 43rd minute, Bhupinder Singh whipped a dangerous low cross across the face of goal from the right side. Under pressure inside the six-yard box, Aizawl defender Timur Talipov attempted to clear the delivery but unfortunately diverted the ball into his own net.

The own goal gave Namdhari a crucial 1-0 lead against the run of play and changed the momentum heading into the interval. For Aizawl, the setback was frustrating considering their dominance in possession and attacking intent during large portions of the first half.

The second half saw Aizawl emerge with far greater urgency. They immediately increased the tempo, pushing more bodies forward and forcing Namdhari deeper into defensive positions. Their first major opportunity after the restart came through another dangerous delivery from Laltlanzova. The winger floated a looping cross toward the far post where Vanlalhriatzuala, despite being one of the shortest players on the pitch, rose to direct a header on target.

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Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar produced an excellent reflex save to deny the equaliser. Moments later, Lalhriatpuia also tested the goalkeeper with a low strike from inside the area, but Niraj once again stood firm.

The pressure, however, continued to build.

Aizawl’s persistence was finally rewarded in the 67th minute though once again, fortune played a role through another own goal. Talipov initiated the move by releasing Malsawmzuala Tlangte down the right wing. The winger burst past his marker before driving a dangerous low cross into the penalty area. Vanlalhriatzuala attempted to connect but failed to properly control his effort. The loose ball appeared to be drifting harmlessly away before Namdhari substitute Kamalpreet Singh Grewal tried to clear under pressure.

Instead, the defender lost his footing and inadvertently bundled the ball into his own net. The equaliser completely shifted momentum in Aizawl’s favour.

With confidence growing, Aizawl continued to push aggressively for a winner. That decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute through substitute Zomuansanga. Once again, Laltlanzova played a key role in the buildup, finding the striker with a well-placed pass down the left side. Zomuansanga controlled the ball calmly before turning sharply and firing a powerful low effort into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Niraj Kumar. It was a composed and clinical finish from the substitute, whose impact off the bench ultimately proved decisive.

Trailing 2-1, Namdhari attempted to push forward during the closing stages and stoppage time in search of an equaliser. They created a few half-chances through crosses and long deliveries into the box, but their final-third execution lacked conviction and composure.

Aizawl, meanwhile, defended with discipline and managed the game effectively during the final minutes to secure an important victory in the relegation stage.

The result could prove significant in the context of the relegation battle. Aizawl’s ability to recover from a goal down demonstrated both resilience and attacking intent, particularly during a dominant second-half performance. The contributions of players like Laltlanzova and Zomuansanga were especially encouraging, while the side’s overall intensity after the interval reflected the urgency of the situation. For Namdhari FC, however, the defeat leaves them under increasing pressure at the bottom of the standings.

Despite taking the lead, defensive errors and an inability to handle Aizawl’s second-half momentum ultimately cost them valuable points in a crucial fixture.