IFL 2025-26: Matchday 3 ends with late drama and stalemates

Dempo, Real Kashmir, Shillong Lajong & Rajasthan United all play out draws in IFL

Two venues, eight goals, and plenty of drama defined Sunday’s action in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season, as points were shared in both fixtures.

In Fatorda, a four-goal thriller saw honours even, while Shillong witnessed a hard-fought stalemate to open the campaign.

A four-goal thriller in Goa

At the PJN Stadium, Dempo SC and Real Kashmir FC played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in a contest packed with momentum swings and late drama.

Dempo controlled possession early but were rocked by an injury blow when captain Ariston Costa was stretchered off following a head collision. Despite the disruption, the hosts pressed forward, only to fall behind against the run of play in first-half stoppage time. Mohammad Inam curled home a stunning strike in the 45+2 minute to give Real Kashmir the lead.

The response was immediate. Deep into added time, Marcus Joseph converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside the area, ensuring the sides went into the break level at 1-1.

The second half produced a breathtaking spell just after the hour mark. In the 61st minute, Aubin Kouakou powered in a header from a Sebastian Gutierrez corner to put Dempo ahead. But the advantage lasted barely a minute. Real Kashmir countered swiftly, and Shedrack Charles finished clinically in the 62nd minute to restore parity at 2-2.

Both sides pushed for a winner late on, with Joseph coming agonisingly close in stoppage time after rounding the goalkeeper, only to see his effort drift wide. Ultimately, the spoils were shared after an absorbing encounter.

Visitors fight back to earn point in Shillong

At the SSA Stadium, Shillong Lajong FC and Rajasthan United FC began their campaigns with a competitive 1-1 draw.

The hosts struck first in the 15th minute through Everbrightson Sana. After winning a penalty, the forward saw his initial effort saved by Bhabindra Malla Thakuri but reacted quickest to bury the rebound and hand Shillong the early advantage.

Rajasthan United nearly responded before halftime, but Pragyan Gogoi dragged a clear chance wide as the home side carried a slender lead into the interval.

The visitors emerged stronger after the restart and found their equalizer in the 53rd minute. A long ball into the area caused confusion, and after Amadou Soukouna battled through defenders, the loose ball fell kindly for Abhishek Ambekar, who calmly slotted into an unguarded net.

Both teams searched for a decisive breakthrough in the closing stages, with Shillong appearing the more threatening late on. However, Rajasthan’s goalkeeper stood firm, and neither side could find the winning touch.

In the end, Sunday’s double-header concluded with two draws, as all four teams settled for a point apiece to kick off their respective journeys in the IFL 2025-26 season.

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