IFL 2025-26: Diamond Harbour Triumphs in Nail-Biting 9-Goal Match Against Namdhari
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Ludhiana, April 6 (NationPress) In a breathtaking encounter, Antonio Moyano showcased his midfield brilliance with a goal and three assists, leading Diamond Harbour FC to a thrilling 5-4 victory over Namdhari FC during the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025–26 at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Ludhiana on Monday.
This victory allows Diamond Harbour to maintain their position at the top of the league standings, increasing their lead to four points ahead of second-placed Sreenidi Deccan FC. Moyano's exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade.
After a tentative start, Diamond Harbour seized control and opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Moyano executed a precise free-kick that found Afolabi unmarked, and the Nigerian forward coolly finished to give his team a 1-0 advantage. Just four minutes later, Luka Majcen increased the lead, reacting swiftly after his initial shot was deflected to find the net again.
Namdhari responded in the 30th minute when Francis Nuer Addo connected with a Seilenthang Lotjem free-kick, scoring with a well-placed header to narrow the score. Despite late pressure from the home side, including a save by Dheeraj Singh on a Lamine Moro attempt, Diamond Harbour retained their lead at halftime.
The second half saw Namdhari start strongly, equalizing in the 47th minute with a spectacular long-range strike from Manvir Singh, making it 2-2.
Coach Vicuña made tactical changes to regain momentum, bringing in Pintu Mahata at the 62-minute mark. Diamond Harbour nearly reclaimed the lead in the 74th minute when Jobby Justin's acrobatic effort forced an impressive save from Niraj Kumar.
The final minutes saw the contest erupt with excitement. Moyano put Diamond Harbour back in front in the 82nd minute with a composed finish, but Namdhari quickly equalized again, as Dharmpreet curled in a beautiful strike just three minutes later, making it 3-3.
Momentum shifted once more in the 87th minute when Moyano's set-piece found Lalliansanga Renthlei, who headed home to restore Diamond Harbour's lead.
In a dramatic stoppage time, Halicharan Narzary seemingly sealed the match with a powerful low shot in the 94th minute. However, Lamine Moro scored with a header from Bhupinder Singh's cross in the 97th minute, bringing the score to 4-5.
Despite the thrilling final moments, Diamond Harbour held on to secure all three points in an exhilarating match.