IFL 2025-26: Namdhari SC Holds Sreenidi Deccan to Draw
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Key Takeaways
Hyderabad, March 20 (NationPress) A stunning first-half goal from his own half by Manvir Singh enabled Namdhari SC to achieve a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena on Thursday.
Despite the draw at home, the Deccan Warriors climbed to second place in the league standings, while Namdhari secured a valuable point on the road. Hadi Idrissou was named Player of the Match for his pivotal equalizer.
Sreenidi Deccan's head coach, Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto, retained the same starting XI, while Namdhari's coach, Harpreet Singh, made two substitutions, bringing in Manvir Singh and Mohammad Sajid Dhot for Abdoulaye Diallo and Lamine Moro.
The hosts controlled the match from the start, boasting up to 85% possession. However, despite generating several chances, Sreenidi struggled to finish effectively in the attacking zone.
Namdhari took the lead against the flow of the game in the 31st minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Noticing the goalkeeper off his line, Manvir unleashed a breathtaking long-range shot from beyond the halfway line, finding the back of the net to give the visitors a lead at halftime.
The second half saw Sreenidi continue to press forward, with David Castañeda coming close on several occasions. Their best chance arrived in the 58th minute, but his header narrowly missed the crossbar. Namdhari maintained their defensive discipline, adhering to their game plan and restricting space in the attacking zone.
The pressure finally paid off in the 79th minute when substitute Brandon Vanlalremdika delivered a threatening corner. Following a deflection, Hadi Idrissou reacted swiftly to score and equalize for the hosts.
Shortly after, Castañeda missed a crucial one-on-one opportunity in the 81st minute, failing to capitalize when well-positioned.
Sreenidi ramped up their efforts in the closing stages, creating chances from close range, but goalkeeper Niraj Kumar made a series of impressive saves to keep Namdhari in the match.
As five minutes of added time approached, the excitement peaked when Deepak's header struck the post and landed inches from the goal line. However, resilient defending from Gurshan Singh and Kamalpreet Singh Grewal ensured that Namdhari held on to secure a hard-earned point.