In a thrilling encounter, Chanmari DC and Dempo SC concluded their match in a 2-2 draw during the third week of the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 Stage 1. The match took place on Thursday at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl.

Early Goals by Chanmari

Chanmari opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a header from Suangaihmuna, following a free-kick taken by Christopher Kamei that struck the post. The home team quickly built on their lead, doubling their advantage in the 43rd minute through Malsawmsanga, who finished a well-executed team move with a right-footed tap-in.

Dempo’s Comeback

As the first half neared its end, Dempo responded effectively. In the final minute of the first half, they capitalized on a defensive error from Chanmari. Sebastian Gutierrez found the net after a well-coordinated setup from Marcus Joseph, reducing the deficit to 2-1 as the teams headed into the break.

Turning Point in the Second Half

Following the restart, Chanmari maintained offensive pressure but faced strong resistance from Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi, who made several crucial saves against attempts from Malsawmsanga and Joao Vitor de Paula Morais, commonly known as Jota. The match changed dramatically when Chanmari’s Malsawmsanga Renthlei received a red card in the 69th minute, reducing the hosts to ten players.

Dempo Levels the Match

With the numerical advantage, Dempo increased their attacking efforts. Just two minutes after the red card, defender Pruthvesh Pednekar came close to scoring but missed the target. Dempo’s persistence paid off in the 81st minute, when Marcus Joseph struck a powerful shot near the post, equalizing the score at 2-2.

Final Stages

In the closing minutes, both teams pressed for a winning goal. Dempo pushed forward aggressively, attempting to secure three points, but Chanmari’s defense held firm. Despite several attacks from Dempo in the last moments of the match, the score remained unchanged as the match concluded in a draw.

Current Standings

Following the match, Chanmari provisionally topped the league table with five points, whereas Dempo SC moved up to eighth place with two points. The draw reflects the competitive nature of the league as teams continue to vie for positioning in the upcoming games of the season.

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