Diamond Harbour FC extended their dominant run in the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 with a commanding 3-1 victory over Chanmari FC at the Kalyani Stadium on Saturday.
In a match defined by momentum swings and second-half intensity, Halicharan Narzary’s quickfire brace proved decisive as the league leaders tightened their grip at the top of the table.
The win marks Diamond Harbour FC’s seventh consecutive unbeaten outing and gives them a five-point cushion at the summit. For Chanmari FC, it was a frustrating evening as they failed to capitalise on a surprise lead and eventually succumbed to sustained pressure from the hosts.
Diamond Harbour head coach Kibu Vicuña made three changes to his starting XI, bringing in Hugo Diaz, Robilal Mandi, and Melroy Melwin Assisi, signalling an aggressive approach. Chanmari FC, on the other hand, retained their previous lineup, opting for continuity.
From the outset, Diamond Harbour looked the sharper side. Their high pressing and fluid attacking structure created immediate problems for Chanmari’s backline. Within the opening minutes, Robilal Mandi struck the crossbar, while Luka Majcen narrowly missed the target. Joby Justin also came close, only to see his effort cleared off the line in a desperate defensive intervention.
Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, the home side could not find the breakthrough in the first half. Their tally of 13 shots and eight clear opportunities highlighted their attacking control, but a combination of poor finishing and resolute defending kept the scoreline goalless.
Chanmari FC, meanwhile, struggled to maintain possession and build meaningful attacks. Their approach largely relied on long balls and defensive organisation, which, to their credit, helped them survive the first-half onslaught.
The game took an unexpected turn just after the restart. In the 48th minute, Chanmari FC stunned the hosts by taking the lead against the run of play. Jota’s clever footwork earned a free-kick, and Marlon Rangel stepped up to deliver a powerful low strike that beat goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh, putting the visitors 1-0 ahead.
Buoyed by the goal, Chanmari enjoyed a brief spell of control, showing improved composure in midfield and greater confidence in possession. However, Diamond Harbour gradually reasserted their dominance, increasing the tempo and pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser.
The breakthrough came in the 73rd minute, albeit in fortuitous fashion. Halicharan Narzary’s dangerous delivery into the box forced Marlon Rangel into an error, as the defender inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. The equaliser shifted momentum decisively in favour of the hosts.
With the crowd behind them, Diamond Harbour intensified their attacking efforts. Antony Moyano’s free-kick was tipped over the bar, and another effort was cleared off the line, as Chanmari struggled to cope with the relentless pressure.
The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute through Halicharan Narzary. Intercepting a misplaced pass from Papuia, Narzary launched a swift counterattack. Showing composure and awareness, he drove forward and finished clinically, despite a slight deflection, to give his side a 2-1 lead.
Just two minutes later, Narzary struck again to effectively seal the result. A well-worked move involving Tharpuia created the opportunity, and Narzary calmly slotted his effort past the diving goalkeeper. The quick succession of goals underlined both his sharp attacking instincts and Diamond Harbour’s ability to capitalise on transitions.
With a two-goal cushion, Diamond Harbour controlled the remainder of the match with confidence. Their defensive unit remained compact, denying Chanmari any real opportunity to mount a comeback, while their midfield ensured steady control of possession. Halicharan Narzary’s impact extended beyond his brace. His involvement in the equaliser and his relentless pressing throughout the game made him the standout performer, earning him the Player of the Match award.
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For Diamond Harbour FC, this victory reinforces their credentials as genuine title contenders. Their ability to dominate proceedings, create consistent chances, and respond effectively to setbacks has been a defining feature of their campaign.
Chanmari FC, on the other hand, will reflect on missed opportunities. While their defensive resilience kept them competitive for large parts of the game, their inability to sustain pressure and manage key moments ultimately cost them.
As the season progresses, Diamond Harbour FC continue to set the benchmark in the league. Performances like this where patience, pressure, and clinical execution come together highlight why they remain the team to beat in the 2025-26 campaign.
