I-League 2024-25: Sreenidi Deccan grab comeback win against Aizawl FC

The I-League encounter saw goals galore as both teams were on top.

David Castenada Munoz scored a hat-trick to help Sreenidi Deccan FC stage a remarkable comeback as they overturned a 0-3 deficit to snatch a 4-3 victory against Aizawl FC in a thrilling I-League 2024-25 away encounter at the RG Stadium on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The match was a tale of two halves with Aizawl FC appeared poised for a comfortable win after establishing a three-goal lead thanks to strikes from Lalbiakdika, Zothanpuia, and Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia.

However, Sreenidi Deccan dramatically altered the course of the game, thanks largely to the pivotal introduction of Panama recruit Angel Gabriel Orelien in the second half and the prolific performance of Castenada. For Sreenidi Deccan, William Oliveira scored the other goal.

The win also halted Sreenidi Deccan’s sequence of three consecutive losses and lifted them to eighth place in the league standings with nine points from seven games. Aizawl’s inability to maintain their 3-0 lead saw their winless streak extend to five matches, leaving them in 11th place in the standings with just six points from seven games.

The match began with Sreenidi Deccan creating an opportunity in the 21st minute when Rosenberg Gabriel’s precise cross found an unmarked Castenada inside the box. Aizawl goalkeeper Joel B Lalramchhana, though, rushed out and fouled Castenada, conceding a penalty. However, Castenada failed to capitalise, by sending his penalty high over the bar.

While Sreenidi Deccan missed chances, Aizawl grew into the game and took the lead in the 37th minute. Zothanpuia’s brilliant pass released Lalbiakdika, who sprinted past the defence and fired a powerful shot over the advancing Sreenidi Deccan goalkeeper Ubaid CK. This was followed by another goal just five minutes later, with Zothanpuia capitalizing on a defensive error by Eli Sabia to double Aizawl’s lead.

Aizawl’s momentum continued into the second half and they added a third goal in the 58th minute. Lalbiakdika’s precise pass set up Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, who made no mistake from close range, seemingly putting the match beyond Sreenidi Deccan’s reach.

However, the introduction of Angel Gabriel Orelien invigorated Sreenidi Deccan. They found more purpose to their game and their midfield looked much more dynamic. In the 60th minute, Castenada’s powerful right-footer hit the wooden framework.

But the forward made amends with a strike in the 69th minute. A corner from the right caught Aizawl FC’s defence off-guard, allowing Sreenidi Deccan to quickly pass the ball to Castenada, who fired a powerful shot to score.

The strike was quickly followed by Castenada’s second goal seven minutes later from Orelien’s free-kick. This shifted the momentum decisively and William Oliveira equalized in the 83rd minute from an Orelien cross, setting the stage for a tense finale.

In the dying moments of the match, Sreenidi Deccan completed their comeback. A cross from Abhishek Ambekar was met by Castenada Munoz, who headed in the decisive goal, securing a stunning 4-3 victory.

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