IFL: Rajasthan United FC, Sreenidi Deccan FC Face Off in Championship Phase Opener The Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 enters its decisive Championship phase as Rajasthan United FC and Sreenidi Deccan FC prepare to clash in the opening fixture of the round-robin stage at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday. The match, scheduled for 18:30 IST, marks a pivotal moment in the title race, with the top six teams competing in a format where each side faces every other once. The team with the highest points tally at the end will be crowned champions. Rajasthan United, currently third in the standings with 17 points from nine matches, and Sreenidi Deccan, placed fourth with 15 points, are both vying to close the gap on leaders Diamond Harbour FC. For Rajasthan, the match represents an opportunity to strengthen their position in the title race. The Desert Warriors arrived at the Championship phase on the back of a 2-1 comeback victory over Dempo SC, with second-half goals from Gerard Artigas and Thomyo L. Shimray securing the win. This result has positioned them to potentially reach a maximum of 32 points, requiring at least four wins in their remaining fixtures to remain competitive. A victory against Sreenidi would take them to 20 points, placing them two points behind the leaders. Rajasthan’s attacking strategy has been defined by their flanking play, with Naoba Meitei and Artigas providing width and creativity. Artigas’ ability to operate in tight spaces complements Meitei’s vision, particularly his precision in delivering crosses into the penalty area. Amadou Soukouna, the team’s top scorer with four goals, leads the line, while the squad’s 13 goals this season reflect their offensive potency.#rajasthan_united_fc #indian_football_league #diamond_harbour_fc #sreenidi_deccan_fc #namdhari_football_stadium
Namdhari SC and Shillong Lajong Aim for Comeback in Key IFL Clash A high-stakes encounter in the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025–26 is set to take place on Friday, April 10, as Namdhari SC and Shillong Lajong FC seek to recover from recent setbacks. The match, scheduled for 16:00 IST at the Namdhari Football Stadium, will be broadcast live on DD Sports and the Sony Sports Network, with streaming options available on Waves and Sony LIV. Both teams, currently in the midst of a challenging phase, are eager to turn their fortunes around in a fixture that carries significant implications for their league standings. Namdhari SC, currently eighth in the table with seven points, will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage after a 4-5 defeat to league leaders Diamond Harbour FC on April 6. Despite showcasing attacking flair, defensive errors proved costly, leaving the team in need of a strong response. Head coach Harpreet Singh acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of defensive discipline. “Shillong are a strong team, but we believe in ourselves,” Singh said, highlighting the team’s confidence ahead of the match. Key defender Lamine Moro, who has been instrumental in maintaining stability at the back, will be central to Namdhari’s strategy as they aim to balance attacking ambition with defensive organization. Shillong Lajong, meanwhile, arrive in Ludhiana following a 0-3 loss to Dempo SC on April 7. The team, which sits fourth with 11 points, struggled to convert possession into goals and was punished for early defensive lapses. Head coach Birendra Thapa admitted the performance was “a very poor one in all departments” but stressed the importance of a positive reaction.#dd_sports #shillong_lajong_fc #namdhari_sc #star_cement_indian_football_league #namdhari_football_stadium
