Sreenidi Deccan FC Stuns Rajasthan United FC with Late Goals in IFL Showdown

In a gripping encounter, Sreenidi Deccan FC pulled off a stunning comeback against Rajasthan United FC, scoring two late goals to win 2-1. The match, held at Namdhari Football Stadium, saw Rajasthan take an early lead before a red card changed the dynamics. Sreenidi capitalized on the opportunity, equalizing in stoppage time and then sealing the victory with a spectacular free-kick. This result not only boosts Sreenidi's title hopes but also leaves Rajasthan reeling from a missed opportunity. Read on for a detailed breakdown of this thrilling match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 08:42 IST

Late Goals Spark Dramatic Comeback

In a thrilling finish, Sreenidi Deccan FC secured a 2-1 victory against 10-man Rajasthan United FC during their IFL 2025-26 Championship Phase match at Namdhari Football Stadium. This remarkable comeback allowed the Deccan Warriors to earn three crucial points, propelling them into second place, while the Desert Warriors faced disappointment after Shafeel PP's red card disrupted their hard-fought lead, leaving them in fourth place with their title aspirations nearly dashed.

Goalless First Half Sets Tense Stage

The match kicked off in a tense atmosphere, with both teams struggling to establish dominance in the sweltering heat. Sreenidi Deccan FC initially controlled possession, but Rajasthan United FC gradually found their rhythm in midfield. The hosts nearly scored in the 16th minute when Gerard Artigas's long-range shot went just over the bar. Rajasthan's goalkeeper, James Kithan, made a spectacular save in the 24th minute, denying Castaneda's well-placed strike. The closest chance for the Desert Warriors came in the 37th minute when Naoba Meitei's precise pass set up Artigas, whose close-range shot hit the crossbar, ensuring the first half ended without goals.

Second Half Drama Unfolds

The second half began with heightened intensity. Rajasthan United FC broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Isaac Nortey scored a stunning free-kick from 40 yards, sending the ball into the top left corner. However, the game shifted dramatically in the 60th minute when Shafeel PP received a straight red card for a reckless push on Deepak, leaving Rajasthan with ten men for the remainder of the match. Despite being a man down, Rajasthan United FC defended tenaciously, with their defenders, Abdul Samed Ango and Isaac Nortey, effectively thwarting Sreenidi's attacks.

Stoppage-Time Stunner Seals Victory

Sreenidi Deccan FC initially struggled to find urgency, but late substitutions changed the game's momentum. In the second minute of stoppage time, Habib Idrissou equalized with a composed header from a long throw-in. Just three minutes later, Castaneda delivered a heart-stopping free-kick from 30 yards, curling it into the top left corner, leaving Kithan helpless and securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for the hosts.

Impact on the Title Race

This exhilarating finish has significant implications for the Championship Phase. Sreenidi Deccan FC's comeback not only earns them three vital points but also boosts their title ambitions. Conversely, the loss is a major setback for Rajasthan United FC, who must regroup quickly after squandering a hard-earned lead due to a lapse in discipline. This result sets an exciting tone for the ongoing battle among the top six teams.