Former champion Aizawl FC and host Namdhari Sports Academy split points in the inaugural match of the rechristened Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season (formerly I-League) after they played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.
Vanlalhriatzuala struck for the former champion in the 43rd minute of the first half to put Aizawl ahead, but Senegalese striker Abdoulaye Diallo restored parity in the sixth minute of added time ahead of the final whistle to ensure the Punjab side came away with a point in the Division Two season opener. The result was the second draw in five encounters between the two sides, with Aizawl ahead 2-1 so far.
Aizawl coach Lalruatfela packed his midfield at kick-off, leaving Zomuansanga as the lone striker up front to express a clear intent to exploit the wings. Namdhari gaffer Harpreet fielded a regular 4-4-2 formation and started with three Ghanaians—skipper Lamine Moro at the heart of defence and Francis Addo and Najeeb Ibrahim in the centre of midfield.
The People’s Club was quicker off the blocks and had its first shot at goal as early as the fourth minute. Laldawngzuala, the Aizawl right back, managed to make forays upfield and sent some good crosses, keeping Namdhari goalkeeper Nishan Singh busy under the bar.
Hriata then struck just two minutes before half-time, when what initially looked like a harmless floater from the flank by Dawnga glided across the goal to find the former in acres of space. The diminutive midfielder moved swiftly to unleash a right-footed curler, which beat Nishan and bulged the Namdhari net.
Coach Harpreet did not waste time and brought on Bhupinder Singh in place of forward Jaskaranpreet Singh after the half-time break to bolster his midfield. Despite the move, Aizawl got the first good chance after the break when Zozoa’s controlled curler was tipped onto the bar by Nishan.
With six minutes added on after the regulation 90, Namdhari almost equalised when Diallo got through in the box and, with only the keeper to beat, lobbed above both him and the crossbar.
Diallo would not be denied on the day though, when in the final minute a snapshot from Lotjem hit the left upright and came back for the Senegalese to tap in as he saved the day for the host.
Newly promoted Chanmari holds Gokulam Kerala
Newly promoted Chanmari FC played out a stalemate with former champions Gokulam Kerala FC in Match 2 of the Indian Football League at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl.
Chanmari fielded an all-Indian line-up comprising players from Mizoram, while Gokulam head coach Derick Pereira named a strong, experienced starting XI.
Gokulam controlled proceedings early, dominating possession and showing greater attacking intent, but the first real chance fell to the home side when Joel Lalramengmawia glanced a header over the crossbar from a long throw into the penalty area.
The visitors dominated attacking play in the first half but struggled to seriously test the goalkeeper. They won five corners and came closest when John Kennedy’s header struck the post, before Francisco Borges’ follow-up was blocked by the defence.
Chanmari began the second half brightly. Aron Vanlalrinchhana beat Harpreet Singh and fired into the side netting from a tight angle, while at the other end, Zothanmawia palmed away John Kennedy’s low cross.
Nili Borges later missed a clear chance, scuffing his effort inside the box. Chanmari increased pressure after the hour mark but could not test Shibinraj Kunniyil, as both teams settled for a point.
Published on Feb 27, 2026
