Hyderabad, April 2: The Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 witnessed an exhilarating match on Wednesday, as Sreenidhi Deccan FC and Shillong Lajong FC ended in a goalless draw. Both teams, currently at the top of the league table, earned one point each from this encounter.
Played at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad, the match showcased strong defensive performances, with goalkeepers making crucial saves. Following this draw, Sreenidhi Deccan FC climbed to the top of the league table with 11 points, while Shillong Lajong closely trails, tied on points with Rajasthan United FC. Sreenidhi’s goalkeeper, Kamaljeet Singh, was named ‘Player of the Match.’
In the early stages, the home team, Sreenidhi, dominated possession and sought scoring opportunities. However, Shillong’s defense proved formidable. The first significant chance came in the 11th minute when Sreenidhi’s captain, David Castaneda, tested Shillong’s goalkeeper, Sivel Rimbai, with a long-range shot, but Rimbai made an impressive save.
Gradually, Shillong found their rhythm and looked dangerous on counter-attacks. Everbrightson Sanaa Mailyempa came close to scoring multiple times. In injury time of the first half, Frangi Buam attempted to break the deadlock with a long-distance free-kick, but Kamaljeet Singh executed a remarkable dive to deny him.
The second half mirrored the first, with Sreenidhi maintaining possession while Shillong relied on swift counter-attacks. Castaneda had another opportunity just before the 60th minute but failed to convert. Substitute Paulo Cesar’s shot was also thwarted by the vigilant Rimbai.
Shillong created chances through Sanaa and substitute Abhay Gurung but could not find the net. As the match neared its conclusion, both teams pushed forward in search of victory. In the 86th minute, Sreenidhi came closest to scoring when Pep Gassama delivered a precise free-kick into the box, but Rimbai again showcased his skills, stopping Paulo Cesar’s header.
Both goalkeepers were in excellent form, and the robust defenses of both teams limited the attacking players, resulting in a final score of 0-0.
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