Matchweek 5 of the Indian Football League delivered plenty of action with decisive results that changed the early standings.
From Aizawl FC’s 3-2 comeback win against promoted side Chanmari FC, to Real Kashmir’s narrow home defeat against Namdhari FC, Sreenidi Deccan’s dominant 3-1 win over Dempo SC, Shillong Lajong’s stunning 2-0 away triumph against Gokulam Kerala, and newcomers Diamond Harbour holding Rajasthan United to a 1-1 draw.
Historic Mizo Derby
Matchweek 5 started with Derby Day in Aizawl. Aizawl FC gave starts to Luis Rodriguez and Timur Talipov after relying on homegrown talents in the previous games. Chanmari replaced Brazilian center-back Marlon Rangel with Ghanaian defender Emmanuel Agyemang Badu.
Malsawmsanga opened the scoring for Chanmari FC in the 19th minute. Goalkeeper Hriatpuia made a costly mistake as the ball slipped through his hands and went straight into the net. Jota extended Chanmari’s lead before half time, with a well-placed penalty.
Vincent scored in the 52nd minute to reduce Aizawl FC’s deficit. Substitute Laldawngzuala scored two goals in three minutes to completely turn the game in Aizawl’s favor. The People’s Club maintained their lead to seal a 3-2 comeback victory in the historic first-ever IFL Mizo Derby.
Chanmari FC had 62% possession and created more chances but were unable to convert.
The IFL headed north as Real Kashmir hosted Namdhari FC with both teams aiming to get their first win of the 2025-26 Season. Real Kashmir made a change as Shahid Nazir replaced Habib Fofana. Moro returned to Namdhari’s starting lineup.
The score was goalless at half time with both teams unable to find the net. Real Kashmir’s Ahteeb Ahmad tried to score with an acrobatic finish, but Namdhari FC’s defence made a goal-line clearance. In the second half, the hosts began to create pressure and pressed forward.
Namdhari broke the deadlock in the 61st minute. Substitute Manbir Singh made an immediate impact, delivering a cross towards the far post. Seilenthang Lotjem timed his run to perfection, sneaking in behind the defence and calmly finishing from close range.
After falling behind the Snow Leopards began searching for an equaliser by increasing their attacking pressure. Namdhari maintained structural discipline and defended their lead. This 1-0 victory was crucial for Namdhari as they grabbed three points away from home.
Despite controlling possession and producing more attempts, Real Kashmir failed to convert their chances.
Sreenidi Deccan on top
The Deccan Warriors made an immediate impact, with Lalbiakliana scoring in the 4th minute, finishing from close range after a long throw-in from Jagdeep.
Togolese defender Hadi Idrissou doubled their lead in the 28th minute. Gassama played the ball to Romawia on the right flank, who delivered a perfect cross into the box. Hadi guided his header past goalkeeper Sibi. With a two-goal lead, Sreenidi controlled the game and managed to defend Dempo’s attacks. The Golden Eagles came back stronger in the second half and began searching for goals.
In the 60th minute, Knerkitalang Buam delivered a cross towards the far post. Richmond Kwasi Owusu rose above the defenders to head the ball past Kamaljit Singh. This goal reduced the deficit and sparked hopes of a comeback.
In the 68th minute, the home side were dealt a setback as Lalromawia was shown a red card. This gave Dempo SC a man advantage in the late stages of the game. Sreenidi Deccan continued to fight with resilience and Fabrice Kah scored their third goal after a swift counterattack.
The home side maintained a compact defensive structure, frustrating Dempo’s forwards. This victory powered the Deccan Warriors to the top of the table.
Shillong Lajong’s Away Win
Gokulam Kerala hosted Shillong Lajong in the Payyanad Stadium. The home side played an unchanged team from their previous match against Dempo SC, while Lajong replaced Abhay Gurung with Tremiki. The match started with both sides displaying an offensive structure but were unable to break the deadlock. In the 36th minute the visitors were able to score as Everbrightson Sana scored from close range.
In the second half, Gokulam began to control the game and continued to look for their equaliser. Even though they had more possession they were unable to create scoring opportunities. Shillong Lajong’s defence stood tall and protected their goal.
In the 65th minute, Shillong doubled their lead with Lamlallian and Damaitphang Lyngdoh involved in the build-up on the right flank, creating space for Tremiki Lamurong who made a perfect run into the box. The winger scored with a composed shot over the keeper.
This was a crucial victory for the visitors as they finished the Matchweek 5 level on points with table toppers Sreenidi Deccan.
Stalemate in Jaipur
Rajasthan United hosted newly promoted side Diamond Harbour FC in Vidhyadhar Nagar stadium, Jaipur.
Both teams started the match trying to dominate possession but were unable to create goal scoring opportunities. Compact defensive structures left little space to attackers. The score was goalless at half time.
The Desert Warriors continued their search for the opening goal with renewed efforts in the second half. Robilal Mandi brought down Thomyo Shimray and the referee gave a penalty to the home side. Jonathan Fernandes made no mistake and scored from the spot.
Even after taking a slender lead, the Desert Warriors continued to attack in search of a second goal. Abhishek Ambekar and substitute Naoba Meitei came close to scoring but were denied by the woodwork.
Diamond Harbour were resilient and created space to score an equaliser. In the 82nd minute, Antonio Moyano delivered a perfect through ball to substitute R. Ramdinthara who scored from a tight angle to equalise.
Both sides searched for the winning goal but were unable to convert. In the end both sides settled for a point. Diamond Harbour enjoyed more possession but were unable to translate it into goals on the scoreline. This will be a missed opportunity for the visitors who had the chance to go two points clear at the top of the table.
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This was an exciting matchweek with dramatic comebacks and decisive goals that shaped the table. Sreenidi Deccan finished on top, level on points with Diamond Harbour and Shillong Lajong.
