Chanmari FC Stages Late Comeback to Draw with Rajasthan United in IFL Thriller
Dramatic Finish at Kalyani Stadium
New Delhi [India], May 19: In a thrilling conclusion to their Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 Championship Phase match, Chanmari FC managed to equalize against Rajasthan United FC with two goals in stoppage time, resulting in a 2-2 draw at Kalyani Stadium on Tuesday.
Rajasthan seemed poised to claim their first victory of the Championship Phase after taking a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Gerard Artigas and Thomyo L. Shimray. However, Chanmari's Lalruatsanga sparked a late resurgence, scoring in stoppage time, followed by a dramatic equalizer from substitute Michael Lalbiaksanga in the 98th minute, as reported.
With this result, Rajasthan finishes the season in fourth place with 18 points, while Chanmari sits in fifth with 15 points.
Rajasthan United FC dominated possession early on, but Chanmari frequently threatened on counter-attacks led by Lalruatsanga and João Vitor de Paula Morais (Jota). Goalkeeper Dinesh Choudhary made an early save to deny Lalruatsanga, and Jota later sent a long-range attempt over the bar.
The Desert Warriors found their rhythm as forwards Amadou Soukouna, Pranjal Bhumij, and Thomyo worked well together, supported by William Pauliankhum. Nevertheless, Chanmari's captain Lalrinchhana Tochhawng and defender Marlon Rangel held firm defensively.
Rajasthan took the lead around the 25-minute mark due to a defensive error. Goalkeeper Zothanmawia was caught off his line after a misplaced back pass from Zothanpuia, allowing Artigas to score from distance. Rajasthan nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but Zothanpuia redeemed himself by blocking another shot from Artigas.
Chanmari continued to pose a threat on the break, with Jota causing issues from the flanks. Rajasthan struck again just before halftime when midfielder Kiatalua Tadeu Emous (Norberto) delivered a precise through ball to Thomyo, who rounded the goalkeeper and finished from a tight angle, making it 2-0 in the 41st minute.
Chanmari began the second half with urgency and thought they had pulled one back early on. Midfielder Joel Lalramengmawia scored from distance after a scramble, but the goal was disallowed for offside as the ball went through Lalruatsanga's legs.
Continuing to press, Chanmari's Jota linked up well with substitute Pedro Lucas Silva (Pepe), while Lalruatsanga kept troubling the Rajasthan defense. Goalkeeper Dinesh made crucial saves to deny attempts from Jota and C. Lalmuanpuia around the 67th and 68th minutes.
In the 70th minute, Chanmari came close again when Jota entered the box and shot after slipping the ball past captain Novin Gurung, but Rajasthan defenders cleared the danger off the line.
The breakthrough finally came in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, a lofted ball from the right found Lalruatsanga, who skillfully guided it into the net with his chest, narrowing the score to 2-1.
Chanmari pressed on and found the equalizer deep into added time. In the 98th minute, after a corner was partially cleared, substitute Michael Lalbiaksanga unleashed a long-range shot from the right. Dinesh mishandled the ball, allowing it to slip through his legs and into the net, completing the comeback.
Chanmari FC finished the match strongly, securing a dramatic point, while Rajasthan United FC was left disappointed after relinquishing a two-goal lead in the final moments of their season finale.