Sri Bhaini Sahib (Punjab), April 17 (NationPress) Chanmari FC showcased an impressive display, defeating Namdhari FC with a score of 4-1, thereby keeping their aspirations for a top six finish in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 alive at the Namdhari Football Stadium on Friday.

Chanmari opened the scoring early in the fourth minute with Pepe, marking his first start of the season, and extended their lead in the second half through Christopher Kamei. Lalruatsanga netted the third goal in the 58th minute, while Adersh Mattummal managed to reduce the deficit for Namdhari just three minutes later. Lalthangliana sealed the victory with the fourth goal for Chanmari.

With this victory, Chanmari FC temporarily climbed to fifth place in the standings with 11 points and a goal difference of -1, relying on the outcomes of other matches to secure their position in the top six. Conversely, Namdhari sits ninth with seven points, confirming their position in the relegation zone.

Namdhari FC’s assistant coach Sirtaj Singh Randhawa made two changes to the starting lineup, introducing Milos Gordic and Mohd. Sajid Dhot in place of Seilenthang Lotjem and Lamine Moro. On the other hand, Dipankur Sharma implemented three substitutions for Chanmari FC, bringing in Zothanpuia, Lalrinchhana Tochhawng, and Brazilian midfielder Pepe, who replaced KC Malsawmsanga, K. Lalruatsanga, and Lalhmangaihsanga.

Chanmari stunned their opponents with an early goal in just the fourth minute. Marlon Rangel executed a long ball from defense into space, locating Pepe's run. The midfielder outpaced two defenders, controlled the ball expertly, and calmly slotted it between the legs of the advancing goalkeeper.

Pepe continued to be a key player shortly after, almost doubling the lead. Jota made a notable run down the left flank, but his initial cross did not connect with a teammate. The ball was retrieved by Lalthangliana, who provided a low cross to Pepe, whose shot curled narrowly over the crossbar.

Chanmari appeared vibrant in their attacking plays, with wingers Jota and Lalthangliana causing persistent problems for the Namdhari defense. Lalthangliana even squandered a good chance midway through the half, heading over after a saved effort from Marlon Rangel.

Namdhari struggled to penetrate Chanmari’s defense, relying on long-range attempts. Najib Ibrahim came close with one shot, while Manvir Singh attempted an audacious strike from midfield that just cleared the crossbar, leaving Zothanmawia in goal scrambling.

Controlling the midfield, Chanmari maintained their one-goal lead as the first half concluded without any urgency shown by Namdhari to regain possession.

As the second half commenced, Chanmari doubled their lead within four minutes. Christopher Kamei received the ball on the right wing, his cross navigated over the goalkeeper, hit the post, and secured a goal.

The Aizawl side then scored their third goal just before the hour mark. Left-back Malsawmtluanga delivered a well-timed pass to Lalruatsanga, who made a clever run behind the defense. The striker, from a sharp angle, executed a brilliant side-footed finish, beating the goalkeeper.

Namdhari nearly reduced the gap soon after, but Seilenthang Lotjem missed from close range after being set up by Bhupinder Singh.

Three minutes later, Namdhari FC pulled one goal back with a long-range shot from Adersh Mattummal. The midfielder navigated between two defenders and struck a precise low shot into the bottom corner, beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Chanmari terminated any hopes of a comeback nine minutes before the final whistle with another well-taken goal from substitute Lalthangliana. Fellow substitute KC Malsawmsanga rolled a pass across the edge of the box to the forward, who took a touch before firing a powerful shot into the bottom right corner.

Chanmari effectively saw out the remainder of the match, confirming Namdhari’s place in the relegation zone while keeping their hopes alive for a top six finish in the table.