Sreenidi Deccan FC kept their Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 title challenge alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chanmari FC at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Saturday, 16 May 2025. Goals from Lalromawia and David Castañeda gave the home side a commanding early lead, before Marlon Rangel's long-range strike gave the visitors brief hope.

Early Blitz Puts Sreenidi in Control

The Deccan Warriors set a blistering pace from the first whistle, knowing a win was the only result that would keep their title hopes intact. Lalromawia opened the scoring in the 10th minute after Fabrice Kah delivered a cross into the box that Brandon Vanlalremdika chested into the path of the onrushing forward, who finished calmly from close range. Kah himself found the net minutes later, but the effort was correctly ruled out for offside.

The advantage was doubled in the 23rd minute through a clinical counter-attack. Kah skipped past two Chanmari defenders on the left flank and drilled a low cross to the edge of the box, where Castañeda unleashed a powerful right-footed strike into the bottom corner — his fifth goal of the season.

Chanmari Hit Back Through Rangel Stunner

The visitors pulled one back just four minutes later when centre-back Marlon Rangel struck a direct free-kick from nearly 30 yards that slipped through the hands of Sreenidi goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh. The moment of individual error handed Chanmari a lifeline and ensured a tense final hour of football.

The remainder of the first half was lively, with Abhijith K's volley well saved by the Chanmari goalkeeper, while Kamaljit Singh recovered his composure to keep out an effort from Lalpekhlua. Kah continued to cause problems on the left but saw two efforts drift narrowly wide.

Sreenidi Manage the Game in Second Half

Sreenidi deliberately dropped their tempo after the restart, inviting Chanmari forward and looking to absorb pressure before striking on the counter. Kamaljit Singh, composed after his first-half lapse, produced a fine save at the 60th minute to deny Lalpekhlua once again.

The clearest chance to put the game to bed came when Castañeda flicked on a corner at the near post, finding Hadi Idrissou unmarked at the far post — but the Togolese defender failed to direct his header on target from just six yards, squandering a golden opportunity.

Result and Title Race Implications

Chanmari were unable to manufacture a genuine equaliser as Sreenidi's defensive structure held firm. The three points keep the Deccan Warriors firmly in contention in the IFL 2025-26 standings. With the season entering its final stretch, every result now carries enormous weight for the clubs still harbouring championship ambitions.