The Indian Football League 2025–26 season continues with an intriguing double-header on Saturday as Gokulam Kerala FC take on Namdhari FC in Manjeri, while newly-promoted Chanmari FC host Sreenidi Deccan FC in Aizawl.
The first fixture will kick off at 16:00 IST at the Payyanad Stadium, while the second match will be played later in the evening at 18:30 IST at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Both matches will be telecast on DD Sports and streamed live on the Waves app and the Prasar Bharati YouTube channel.
Gokulam Kerala Aim for Strong Home Start
Two-time champions Gokulam Kerala will look to secure their first win of the campaign when they face Namdhari FC in Manjeri. The Malabarians have shifted their home venue this season from Kozhikode’s EMS Corporation Stadium to Payyanad Stadium, and the team will hope the passionate support in Manjeri provides an early boost.
Gokulam began their campaign with a goalless draw against Chanmari FC. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the side could not find the finishing touch that had defined their attacking strength last season. Gokulam were among the most prolific attacking teams in the previous edition, scoring 45 goals en route to a fourth-place finish.
Head coach Derick Pereira acknowledged the positives from the opening fixture but stressed the need for sharper finishing.
“The first match is always difficult in a league. The team did really well and created chances. We could have been more clinical. Overall, the performance was good, but of course we wanted the result,” he said.
Veteran goalkeeper Shibin Raj Kunniyil also highlighted the importance of playing in front of home fans.
“The supporters always motivate us tremendously. We hope to give them a positive result,” he noted.
Namdhari Arrive with Late Equaliser Momentum
Namdhari FC also began their season with a draw, sharing the spoils in a dramatic 1–1 contest against Aizawl FC. The Punjab-based club showed resilience in that match, salvaging a point deep into stoppage time. Senegalese striker Abdoulaye Diallo scored a 96th-minute equaliser after a shot from Lotjem struck the upright and fell kindly for the forward to tap in.
Head coach Harpreet Singh admitted that his team initially struggled after a long gap without competitive football.
“It was a very close game. We were a bit rusty in the beginning but settled well in the second half,” he said. Looking ahead to the challenge in Manjeri, Singh acknowledged the strength of the hosts and the atmosphere they would face.
“Playing Gokulam away will be difficult. They have a strong squad and experienced coaching staff. We need to be at our best.” Historically, Namdhari have had the edge in this fixture. In four previous meetings between the two sides, Namdhari have won twice compared to Gokulam’s one victory, while one match ended in a draw. The visitors also hold a narrow 7–6 advantage in aggregate goals.
However, Gokulam will take confidence from their most recent encounter in March 2025, where they secured a convincing 3–1 victory.
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In the evening match, Chanmari FC will host Sreenidi Deccan FC in what promises to be an exciting contest in Aizawl.
Chanmari, runners-up in I-League 2 last season, made a strong start to life in the top tier by holding Gokulam Kerala to a draw in their opening match. The Mizoram-based side impressed with their organisation and discipline, particularly considering they fielded an all-Indian starting XI composed entirely of players from the state.
Goalkeeper Zothanmawia produced several crucial saves, while attackers such as Aron Vanlalrinchhana looked dangerous on counterattacks. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium could further strengthen their resolve as they aim to secure their first win of the season.
Sreenidi Deccan Seek Momentum
Sreenidi Deccan FC arrive in Aizawl with momentum after winning their opening fixture. The Hyderabad-based club defeated Diamond Harbour FC 1–0, courtesy of a 60th-minute strike from Cameroonian midfielder Fabrice Kah. Despite the victory, head coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto remains cautious about the challenge posed by the newly-promoted side.
“Chanmari are new in the league and these types of teams can be very difficult. They played really well in their first match. We need to do things right,” he said. He also stressed the competitive nature of the league and the importance of maintaining consistency.
“The league is very competitive and every match will bring new challenges. We must adapt and be ready if we want to be among the best teams.” Midfielder Brandon Vanlalremdika echoed that sentiment, noting that Chanmari would be confident after their draw against Gokulam.
“They will be motivated after their first result, but our focus is on getting the three points,” he said.
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With both fixtures featuring teams eager to gain early momentum in the season, Saturday’s double-header promises plenty of excitement. Gokulam Kerala will aim to capitalise on home support to secure their first win, while Namdhari FC will hope to continue their resilient form. In Aizawl, Chanmari will look to build on their impressive start, but Sreenidi Deccan’s experience and winning momentum could prove decisive.
As the I-League season gathers pace, these early encounters could play a crucial role in shaping the race for the title and the battle for consistency in one of India’s most competitive domestic competitions.
