Chanmari FC and Shillong Lajong FC Set for Thrilling Clash in Indian Football League

Exciting Matchup in Aizawl

Aizawl (Mizoram) [India], March 18: In a pivotal encounter in the Indian Football League 2025-26, Chanmari FC will take on Shillong Lajong FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium this Thursday, as announced by the AIFF.

The day's second match will see Sreenidi Deccan hosting Namdhari Sports Academy at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad.

Chanmari FC, eager to impress their home crowd, comes into this match following a thrilling 2-2 draw against Dempo SC. The Aizawl newcomers are determined to secure a vital win.

Under the leadership of head coach Victor Lalbiakmawia, Chanmari has demonstrated their capability to compete against seasoned teams. They will rely on their solid defense and quick counter-attacks, spearheaded by Brazilian winger Jota and the accurate set-piece deliveries from Christopher Kamei.

However, they will miss defender Malsawmsanga Renthlei due to suspension after receiving a red card in the previous match.

On the other side, Shillong Lajong FC is looking to recover from a narrow 1-2 loss to Diamond Harbour FC. Head coach Birendra Thapa's team conceded two early goals but showed resilience in the second half.

Thapa emphasized the importance of bouncing back, stating, “It’s crucial to recover from our last defeat since the league is short. Securing three points will significantly boost our morale. We need to learn from our mistakes and aim for a better performance.”

He acknowledged the challenge posed by Chanmari, saying, “They are a strong team with talented players, which is why they remain unbeaten. I want my players to enjoy the game.”

Player Ephraim Lalremtluanga echoed this sentiment, expressing, “We aim to play well and secure all three points.”

With both teams showcasing local talent and a commitment to attacking football, this match promises to be a captivating tactical showdown.

In the evening match, Sreenidi Deccan FC will return to the Deccan Arena after a crucial 1-0 victory against Gokulam Kerala FC. Under head coach Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto, the Deccan Warriors have climbed to the top of the table, demonstrating strong defensive organization.

Vaz Pinto highlighted the importance of their home advantage, stating, “We perform well at home. It’s always a pleasure to play in front of our fans at the Deccan Arena. With five consecutive home games, we aim to capitalize on this advantage.”

Defender Muhammad Hammad added, “Our pre-season was productive, and we are well-prepared. Tomorrow marks our first home game, and if we adhere to our strategy, we should perform well. Namdhari is a competitive team; we’ve faced them for several seasons.”

Namdhari Sports Academy arrives in Hyderabad seeking to bounce back from a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat against Rajasthan United. Led by head coach Harpreet Singh, they displayed remarkable spirit in their last match, equalizing late before conceding a stoppage-time goal.

However, they will face a significant challenge as they will be without their Ghanaian captain and defensive leader, Lamine Moro, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in their last game.

Vaz Pinto acknowledged the threat posed by Namdhari, stating, “We are familiar with their style. They are physically strong and play an aggressive, pressing game. We must be at our best to secure a win.”

Historically, Sreenidi Deccan has a slight advantage over Namdhari, winning two of their last four encounters, with one draw and one loss. In their most recent meeting on March 2, 2025, Namdhari triumphed 1-0, thanks to a goal from Cledson da Silva.