IFL 2025-26: Opening day kicks off with two hard fought draws as teams share the spoils

Aizawl, Chanmari, Gokulam Kerala and Namdhari all play out draws in IFL

The Indian football League 2025-26 season began on an early poised note as Aizawl FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Chanmari FC and Namdhari FC all settled for draws in the opening day. While Aizawl were denied victory by a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from Namdhari, Chanmari impressed on debut with a resolute performance to hold former champions Gokulam Kerala, underlining a competitive start to the newly rebranded league.

Aizawl held late by Namdhari FC in the season opener

Former champions Aizawl FC and hosts Namdhari Sports Academy split points in the inaugural match of the rechristened Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season, after they played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib, on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Vanlalhriatzuala struck for the former champions in the 43rd minute of the first half to put Aizawl ahead, but Senegalese striker Abdoulaye Diallo restored parity in the sixth minute of added time ahead of the final whistle, to ensure the Punjab side came away with a point in the division two season opener.

The result was the second draw in five encounters between the two sides, with Aizawl ahead 2-1 till date.

Coach Harpreet did not waste time and brought on Bhupinder Singh in place of forward Jaskaranpreet Singh after the half-time break to bolster his midfield.

Despite the move, Aizawl got the first good chance after the break when Zozoa’s controlled curler was tipped onto the bar by Nishan.

Harpreet then brought on Diallo in place of Najeeb in the 59th minute. Namdhari kept pressing harder which brought about the first cautions, skipper Moro getting into the books in the 81st minute, followed by Aizawl’s Hriata in the 86th minute. Earlier, Namdhari coach Harpreet had received the first yellow card of the match.

With six minutes added on after the regulation 90, Namdhari almost equalised when Diallo got through in the box and with only the keeper to beat, lobbed above both him and the cross-bar.

Diallo would not be denied on the day, though, when in the final minute, a snapshot from Lotjem hit the left upright and came back for the Senegalese to tap it in, as he saved the day for the hosts.

Chanmari FC show defensive solidity against Gokulam Kerala FC

Newly promoted Chanmari FC played out a stalemate with former champions Gokulam Kerala FC in Match 2 of the Indian Football League 2025-26 season, at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Friday, February 27, 2026. Chanmari FC fielded an all-Indian line-up comprising players entirely from Mizoram, while Gokulam Kerala FC head coach Derick Pereira named a strong and experienced starting XI.

Gokulam Kerala controlled proceedings from the outset, dominating possession and showing greater attacking intent as they kept the Chanmari defence on their toes.

However, the first real chance of the match fell to the home side, with Joel Lalramengmawia glancing his header over the crossbar from a long throw delivered into the penalty area.

The visitors dominated the attacking play in the first half but were unable to seriously test the opposition goalkeeper with any clear-cut opportunities. They won five corner kicks during that period and came closest to scoring from one of them.

John Kennedy rose highest to meet the delivery, but his header struck the post and rebounded into play. Mirjalol Kasimov reacted quickly to put the ball back into the box, finding Francisco Borges, whose effort was eventually blocked by the defense.

Nili Borges squandered a golden opportunity to open the scoring for the visitors. The Spaniard received the ball inside the box and found himself unmarked with only the goalkeeper to beat, but he scuffed his effort, allowing a defender to clear the danger.

The home side began to showcase more of their attacking intent from the hour mark, utilising the left flank to dangerous effect. However, the final ball continued to elude them, keeping the score unchanged. Gokulam Kerala was pinned back inside their own half by sustained pressure, but Chanmari were unable to seriously test Shibinraj Kunniyil in goal.

In the end, both teams had to be content with a point each to start the new season.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.