×

Ezzejjari brace, Bipin’s first-half strike help East Bengal beatOdisha and stay in title race

Aizawl began the second half with more urgency and came close to equalising when Laltlanzova floated a cross towards the back post. Vanlalhriatzuala directed his header towards goal but was denied by a sharp reflex save from Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar. Moments later, Lalhriatpuia tested Niraj with a low shot from inside the box.

The People’s Club kept pressing and eventually found the equaliser through another own goal. Talipov released Malsawmzuala Tlangte down the right, and the winger burst past his marker before drilling a low cross into the box. Vanlalhriatzuala scuffed his attempt, but substitute Kamalpreet got his feet tangled while trying to clear and diverted the ball into his own net.

Eleven minutes later, Aizawl took the lead through a well-worked move down the left. Laltlanzova picked out Zomuansanga, who had been introduced only a few minutes earlier. The striker took a touch before firing a powerful low shot on the turn into the bottom corner.

Namdhari created a few chances late in the game and in stoppage time but lacked conviction in the final third as Aizawl held on to complete the comeback.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#IFL #Zomuansanga #seals #comeback #win #Aizawl #downs #Namdhari #relegation #stage"> IFL 2025-26: Zomuansanga seals comeback win as Aizawl FC downs Namdhari FC in relegation stage Aizawl FC came from a goal down to beat Namdhari FC 2-1 and secure three points in its Indian Football League relegation stage fixture at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday.Namdhari took the lead in the 43rd minute through a Timur Talipov own goal before Aizawl equalised in the 67th minute, courtesy another own goal, this time from Kamalpreet Singh Grewal. Substitute Zomuansanga completed the comeback in the 78th minute with a well-taken finish.The win took Aizawl’s tally to 11 points and sent it to the top of the relegation stage, while Namdhari remained bottom with seven points.Aizawl started brightly, using its familiarity with the artificial turf to keep possession and move the ball forward, especially down the left flank through Laltlanzova and Lalrempuia. Namdhari took time to settle but gradually grew into the game.It created the first clear chance in the 15th minute when Seilenthang Lotjem found Rohit inside the box with a cross, but his glancing header was saved well by goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia. The Aizawl keeper commanded his area confidently, dealing with Namdhari’s set-pieces and long balls, which remained its main attacking threat in the first half.The breakthrough came two minutes before half-time. Bhupinder Singh whipped a dangerous cross across the six-yard box and Talipov, while trying to clear, deflected the ball into his own net with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.ALSO READ: Ezzejjari brace, Bipin’s first-half strike help East Bengal beatOdisha and stay in title raceAizawl began the second half with more urgency and came close to equalising when Laltlanzova floated a cross towards the back post. Vanlalhriatzuala directed his header towards goal but was denied by a sharp reflex save from Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar. Moments later, Lalhriatpuia tested Niraj with a low shot from inside the box.The People’s Club kept pressing and eventually found the equaliser through another own goal. Talipov released Malsawmzuala Tlangte down the right, and the winger burst past his marker before drilling a low cross into the box. Vanlalhriatzuala scuffed his attempt, but substitute Kamalpreet got his feet tangled while trying to clear and diverted the ball into his own net.Eleven minutes later, Aizawl took the lead through a well-worked move down the left. Laltlanzova picked out Zomuansanga, who had been introduced only a few minutes earlier. The striker took a touch before firing a powerful low shot on the turn into the bottom corner.Namdhari created a few chances late in the game and in stoppage time but lacked conviction in the final third as Aizawl held on to complete the comeback.Published on Apr 29, 2026 #IFL #Zomuansanga #seals #comeback #win #Aizawl #downs #Namdhari #relegation #stage
Sports news

Ezzejjari brace, Bipin’s first-half strike help East Bengal beatOdisha and stay in title race

Aizawl began the second half with more urgency and came close to equalising when Laltlanzova floated a cross towards the back post. Vanlalhriatzuala directed his header towards goal but was denied by a sharp reflex save from Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar. Moments later, Lalhriatpuia tested Niraj with a low shot from inside the box.

The People’s Club kept pressing and eventually found the equaliser through another own goal. Talipov released Malsawmzuala Tlangte down the right, and the winger burst past his marker before drilling a low cross into the box. Vanlalhriatzuala scuffed his attempt, but substitute Kamalpreet got his feet tangled while trying to clear and diverted the ball into his own net.

Eleven minutes later, Aizawl took the lead through a well-worked move down the left. Laltlanzova picked out Zomuansanga, who had been introduced only a few minutes earlier. The striker took a touch before firing a powerful low shot on the turn into the bottom corner.

Namdhari created a few chances late in the game and in stoppage time but lacked conviction in the final third as Aizawl held on to complete the comeback.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#IFL #Zomuansanga #seals #comeback #win #Aizawl #downs #Namdhari #relegation #stage">IFL 2025-26: Zomuansanga seals comeback win as Aizawl FC downs Namdhari FC in relegation stage

Aizawl FC came from a goal down to beat Namdhari FC 2-1 and secure three points in its Indian Football League relegation stage fixture at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

Namdhari took the lead in the 43rd minute through a Timur Talipov own goal before Aizawl equalised in the 67th minute, courtesy another own goal, this time from Kamalpreet Singh Grewal. Substitute Zomuansanga completed the comeback in the 78th minute with a well-taken finish.

The win took Aizawl’s tally to 11 points and sent it to the top of the relegation stage, while Namdhari remained bottom with seven points.

Aizawl started brightly, using its familiarity with the artificial turf to keep possession and move the ball forward, especially down the left flank through Laltlanzova and Lalrempuia. Namdhari took time to settle but gradually grew into the game.

It created the first clear chance in the 15th minute when Seilenthang Lotjem found Rohit inside the box with a cross, but his glancing header was saved well by goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia. The Aizawl keeper commanded his area confidently, dealing with Namdhari’s set-pieces and long balls, which remained its main attacking threat in the first half.

The breakthrough came two minutes before half-time. Bhupinder Singh whipped a dangerous cross across the six-yard box and Talipov, while trying to clear, deflected the ball into his own net with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

ALSO READ: Ezzejjari brace, Bipin’s first-half strike help East Bengal beatOdisha and stay in title race

Aizawl began the second half with more urgency and came close to equalising when Laltlanzova floated a cross towards the back post. Vanlalhriatzuala directed his header towards goal but was denied by a sharp reflex save from Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar. Moments later, Lalhriatpuia tested Niraj with a low shot from inside the box.

The People’s Club kept pressing and eventually found the equaliser through another own goal. Talipov released Malsawmzuala Tlangte down the right, and the winger burst past his marker before drilling a low cross into the box. Vanlalhriatzuala scuffed his attempt, but substitute Kamalpreet got his feet tangled while trying to clear and diverted the ball into his own net.

Eleven minutes later, Aizawl took the lead through a well-worked move down the left. Laltlanzova picked out Zomuansanga, who had been introduced only a few minutes earlier. The striker took a touch before firing a powerful low shot on the turn into the bottom corner.

Namdhari created a few chances late in the game and in stoppage time but lacked conviction in the final third as Aizawl held on to complete the comeback.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#IFL #Zomuansanga #seals #comeback #win #Aizawl #downs #Namdhari #relegation #stage

Aizawl FC came from a goal down to beat Namdhari FC 2-1 and secure three…

Atletico Madrid’s Barrios to miss Arsenal Champions League semifinal tie with thigh injury

The clearest opening of the first half came in the 34th minute when Kouakou lost possession, allowing Sana to break through on goal. Jose Luis Moreno Pena recovered with a well-timed sliding challenge to prevent the shot.

Shillong continued to threaten. In the 38th minute, Damaitphang Lyngdoh delivered a low cross across the six-yard area that evaded any finishing touch. Five minutes later, Buam’s shot from a tight angle was parried by Sibi before Lyngdoh struck the woodwork from distance.

Shillong resumed on the front foot after the interval, but Dempo produced a moment of quality in the 58th minute as Gutierrez connected cleanly with a first-time volley from a tight angle, forcing Ranit Sarkar into a sharp save.

The visitor came close again in the 67th minute from a set-piece, but Sarkar reacted well before Joseph fired over the bar from the rebound.

Shillong pushed hard for a breakthrough and came agonisingly close in stoppage time, when substitute Abelson Jachi forced a spill from Sibi and Kenstar Kharshong lifted the rebound over the goalkeeper, only to see his effort strike the crossbar.

Shillong’s inability to convert dominance into goals proved decisive. Despite registering 20 shots, including five on target, it could not breach a disciplined Dempo defence.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#IFL #Dempo #frustrates #Shillong #Lajong #goalless #Championship #Phase #clash"> IFL 2025-26: Dempo frustrates Shillong Lajong in goalless Championship Phase clash Shillong Lajong FC was held to a goalless draw by a resolute Dempo SC in its Indian Football League Championship Phase fixture at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Sunday.The result kept Shillong second in the table with 18 points, seven behind leader Diamond Harbour FC, while Dempo remained sixth with 10 points.Shillong named an unchanged starting XI from its last match, while Dempo made two changes, with Sebastián Gutiérrez Atehortua and Vieri Colaco replacing Ariston Costa and Richmond Kwasi Owusu.Shillong imposed itself from the outset, applying immediate pressure on Dempo straight from kick-off. Inside the opening minute, a long ball into the box created an early opening as Phrangki Buam rose to meet it, but the defence recovered in time to clear.The host sustained a high tempo in the early exchanges, unsettling Dempo’s backline before the visitor slowed the pace and attempted to play out from the back.Both sides showed a clear inclination to build through the flanks, with Buam and Ephraim Lalremtluanga stretching play for Shillong, while Saiesh Bagkar and Kapil Hoble looked to supply Gutiérrez and Marcus Leric Jr Joseph centrally.Shillong’s sharpness in possession, aided by strong home support, translated into early control. In the eighth minute, Lamlallian found space in the final third and struck at goal, but Aubin Kouakou positioned himself well to block.Dempo’s attempts to construct from deep led to repeated turnovers under Shillong’s high press, while Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah tested Ashish Sibi with a skidding effort from distance that the goalkeeper handled securely.ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid’s Barrios to miss Arsenal Champions League semifinal tie with thigh injuryThe clearest opening of the first half came in the 34th minute when Kouakou lost possession, allowing Sana to break through on goal. Jose Luis Moreno Pena recovered with a well-timed sliding challenge to prevent the shot.Shillong continued to threaten. In the 38th minute, Damaitphang Lyngdoh delivered a low cross across the six-yard area that evaded any finishing touch. Five minutes later, Buam’s shot from a tight angle was parried by Sibi before Lyngdoh struck the woodwork from distance.Shillong resumed on the front foot after the interval, but Dempo produced a moment of quality in the 58th minute as Gutierrez connected cleanly with a first-time volley from a tight angle, forcing Ranit Sarkar into a sharp save.The visitor came close again in the 67th minute from a set-piece, but Sarkar reacted well before Joseph fired over the bar from the rebound.Shillong pushed hard for a breakthrough and came agonisingly close in stoppage time, when substitute Abelson Jachi forced a spill from Sibi and Kenstar Kharshong lifted the rebound over the goalkeeper, only to see his effort strike the crossbar.Shillong’s inability to convert dominance into goals proved decisive. Despite registering 20 shots, including five on target, it could not breach a disciplined Dempo defence.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #IFL #Dempo #frustrates #Shillong #Lajong #goalless #Championship #Phase #clash
Sports news

Atletico Madrid’s Barrios to miss Arsenal Champions League semifinal tie with thigh injury

The clearest opening of the first half came in the 34th minute when Kouakou lost possession, allowing Sana to break through on goal. Jose Luis Moreno Pena recovered with a well-timed sliding challenge to prevent the shot.

Shillong continued to threaten. In the 38th minute, Damaitphang Lyngdoh delivered a low cross across the six-yard area that evaded any finishing touch. Five minutes later, Buam’s shot from a tight angle was parried by Sibi before Lyngdoh struck the woodwork from distance.

Shillong resumed on the front foot after the interval, but Dempo produced a moment of quality in the 58th minute as Gutierrez connected cleanly with a first-time volley from a tight angle, forcing Ranit Sarkar into a sharp save.

The visitor came close again in the 67th minute from a set-piece, but Sarkar reacted well before Joseph fired over the bar from the rebound.

Shillong pushed hard for a breakthrough and came agonisingly close in stoppage time, when substitute Abelson Jachi forced a spill from Sibi and Kenstar Kharshong lifted the rebound over the goalkeeper, only to see his effort strike the crossbar.

Shillong’s inability to convert dominance into goals proved decisive. Despite registering 20 shots, including five on target, it could not breach a disciplined Dempo defence.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#IFL #Dempo #frustrates #Shillong #Lajong #goalless #Championship #Phase #clash">IFL 2025-26: Dempo frustrates Shillong Lajong in goalless Championship Phase clash

Shillong Lajong FC was held to a goalless draw by a resolute Dempo SC in its Indian Football League Championship Phase fixture at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Sunday.

The result kept Shillong second in the table with 18 points, seven behind leader Diamond Harbour FC, while Dempo remained sixth with 10 points.

Shillong named an unchanged starting XI from its last match, while Dempo made two changes, with Sebastián Gutiérrez Atehortua and Vieri Colaco replacing Ariston Costa and Richmond Kwasi Owusu.

Shillong imposed itself from the outset, applying immediate pressure on Dempo straight from kick-off. Inside the opening minute, a long ball into the box created an early opening as Phrangki Buam rose to meet it, but the defence recovered in time to clear.

The host sustained a high tempo in the early exchanges, unsettling Dempo’s backline before the visitor slowed the pace and attempted to play out from the back.

Both sides showed a clear inclination to build through the flanks, with Buam and Ephraim Lalremtluanga stretching play for Shillong, while Saiesh Bagkar and Kapil Hoble looked to supply Gutiérrez and Marcus Leric Jr Joseph centrally.

Shillong’s sharpness in possession, aided by strong home support, translated into early control. In the eighth minute, Lamlallian found space in the final third and struck at goal, but Aubin Kouakou positioned himself well to block.

Dempo’s attempts to construct from deep led to repeated turnovers under Shillong’s high press, while Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah tested Ashish Sibi with a skidding effort from distance that the goalkeeper handled securely.

ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid’s Barrios to miss Arsenal Champions League semifinal tie with thigh injury

The clearest opening of the first half came in the 34th minute when Kouakou lost possession, allowing Sana to break through on goal. Jose Luis Moreno Pena recovered with a well-timed sliding challenge to prevent the shot.

Shillong continued to threaten. In the 38th minute, Damaitphang Lyngdoh delivered a low cross across the six-yard area that evaded any finishing touch. Five minutes later, Buam’s shot from a tight angle was parried by Sibi before Lyngdoh struck the woodwork from distance.

Shillong resumed on the front foot after the interval, but Dempo produced a moment of quality in the 58th minute as Gutierrez connected cleanly with a first-time volley from a tight angle, forcing Ranit Sarkar into a sharp save.

The visitor came close again in the 67th minute from a set-piece, but Sarkar reacted well before Joseph fired over the bar from the rebound.

Shillong pushed hard for a breakthrough and came agonisingly close in stoppage time, when substitute Abelson Jachi forced a spill from Sibi and Kenstar Kharshong lifted the rebound over the goalkeeper, only to see his effort strike the crossbar.

Shillong’s inability to convert dominance into goals proved decisive. Despite registering 20 shots, including five on target, it could not breach a disciplined Dempo defence.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#IFL #Dempo #frustrates #Shillong #Lajong #goalless #Championship #Phase #clash

Shillong Lajong FC was held to a goalless draw by a resolute Dempo SC in…