Hyderabad, March 25 (NationPress) Sreenidi Deccan FC showcased an impressive performance, triumphing over Dempo SC with a scoreline of 3-1 in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena on Wednesday. This victory propelled Sreenidi to the top of the standings, amassing 10 points from five matches, while Dempo SC languished at the bottom with only two points.

Right from the start, Carlos Vaz Pinto’s squad asserted dominance. A throw-in from the left by Jagdeep Singh caused a deflection in the box, allowing right winger R Lalbiakliana to react swiftly and unleash a left-footed strike from a tight angle, giving Sreenidi an early lead.

Continuing to apply pressure, Sreenidi generated numerous opportunities. Ashish Sibi made crucial saves to thwart David Castañeda’s attempts, including a sharp stop from close range in the 20th minute and a diving effort to deny his header shortly after. The resulting corner saw Castañeda’s header hitting the post.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Hadi Idrissou, Sreenidi's center-back, extended the lead. A precise cross from winger Lalromawia allowed Idrissou to leap and head the ball into the net, making it 2-0.

Dempo’s head coach, Samir Naik, responded by introducing Marcus Joseph midway through the first half, hoping for a revival. Joseph injected more attacking flair, but Sreenidi's midfield, anchored by Ajay Chhetri and Pape Gassama, effectively controlled the game, limiting Dempo’s scoring chances. Joseph did challenge Kamaljit Singh with a curling shot in the 42nd minute, but the goalkeeper was up to the task.

After halftime, the Golden Eagles increased their attacking efforts and were rewarded at the hour mark. Midfielder Knerkitalang Buam floated a cross towards the far post, where forward Richmond Kwasi Owusu headed it in, narrowing the score to 2-1.

In a dramatic twist, Lalromawia of Sreenidi received a red card for violent conduct in the 68th minute, leaving the hosts with ten players. Nevertheless, Sreenidi quickly countered. Ajay Chhetri regained possession in midfield and set up forward Fabrice Kah Nkwoh, who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, restoring the two-goal lead.

Dempo pressed forward, with Amay Morajkar testing Kamaljit Singh from distance in the 81st minute, but the Sreenidi keeper tipped the shot over the bar. Despite having more possession against ten men, Dempo failed to penetrate Sreenidi's steadfast defense, concluding the game with a 3-1 victory for the hosts.