How it unfolded
On March 25, 2026, the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad witnessed a thrilling encounter between Sreenidi Deccan FC and Dempo SC as part of the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 season. The match was pivotal for both teams, with Sreenidi Deccan aiming to solidify their position in the league, while Dempo SC sought to climb out of the bottom of the table.
The game kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere, and it wasn’t long before Sreenidi Deccan FC took control. R Lalbiakliana opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving the home side an early lead. The momentum continued to build for Sreenidi as Hadi Idrissou doubled their advantage shortly after, making it 2-0 and leaving Dempo SC scrambling to respond.
Despite the early setbacks, Dempo SC managed to find their footing and reduced the deficit in the 30th minute when Richmond Kwasi Owusu scored, bringing the score to 2-1. This goal injected a sense of hope into the Dempo camp, but their optimism was short-lived as the match took a dramatic turn just before halftime.
Sreenidi Deccan FC faced a significant challenge when Lalromawia received a red card, leaving his team with ten men for the remainder of the match. However, this numerical disadvantage did not deter Sreenidi’s resolve. Instead, they showcased remarkable resilience and tactical discipline, continuing to press forward.
As the second half unfolded, Sreenidi Deccan FC’s determination paid off. Fabrice Kah Nkwoh scored the third goal for Sreenidi, extending their lead to 3-1. This goal not only reaffirmed their dominance in the match but also highlighted their ability to perform under pressure, even when reduced to ten players.
Despite having a numerical advantage for almost half an hour, Dempo SC struggled to capitalize on their situation. Sreenidi Deccan FC’s clinical display and solid defense thwarted any attempts by Dempo to mount a comeback. As the final whistle blew, the score remained 3-1 in favor of Sreenidi, marking a significant victory for the team.
With this win, Sreenidi Deccan FC climbed to the top of the IFL table, now boasting 10 points from five matches. In stark contrast, Dempo SC remained at the bottom with only two points, raising concerns about their performance in the league. This match not only impacted the standings but also set the tone for the remainder of the season for both teams.
The outcome of this match is crucial for the involved teams. For Sreenidi Deccan FC, the victory solidifies their status as title contenders, while for Dempo SC, it raises urgent questions about their strategy and performance moving forward in the league.
