The win helped Sreenidi Deccan climb to third in the table. | Photo Credit: AIFF MEDIA

Sreenidi Deccan FC beat league leader Diamond Harbour FC 2-1 in the Indian Football League at the Kalyani Stadium in Kalyani on Sunday, with first-half goals from Brandon Vanlalremdika and David Castañeda proving decisive.

The Deccan Warriors took the lead in the 44th minute through Brandon’s well-taken free-kick and doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Castaneda struck. Hugo Diaz reduced the deficit in the second half from the penalty spot.

With the win, Sreenidi Deccan moved to 21 points and third in the table, while Diamond Harbour remained top with 25 points. Brandon was named Player of the Match.

Diamond Harbour was reduced to 10 men within the opening minute after Sunday Afolabi was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Ajay Chhetri. Contesting a loose ball, Afolabi caught Ajay high on the ankle, leaving the referee with little option but to send him off.

Despite the early setback, Diamond Harbour dominated possession and continued to threaten. Ramdinthara tested Kamaljit Singh with a powerful left-footed effort, but the shot was straight at the goalkeeper. Shortly after, Mikel Kortazar drilled in a low cross from a set-piece routine, which was cleared before it could reach Jobby Justin.

The home side created the best chance of the half just before the drinks break. Jobby made space inside the box and the ball fell kindly for Díaz, whose effort was tipped over the crossbar by Kamaljit, the goalkeeper reacting sharply.

Sreenidi Deccan, which had struggled to create chances, needed a moment of quality to break the deadlock. Brandon, who had won the free-kick after being brought down by Kortazar, curled a superb effort into the top-right corner beyond the reach of Dheeraj Singh.

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The visitor doubled its lead in stoppage time. Castañeda drove forward into the box and, with defenders backing off, unleashed a powerful strike past the goalkeeper.

Diamond Harbour began the second half on the front foot and was handed a lifeline around the hour mark when a penalty was awarded after Hadi Idrissou handled the ball inside the box. Díaz converted with a firm strike.

Head coach Kibu Vicuña responded with a triple substitution, introducing Bryce Miranda, Paul Ramfangzauva and Kevin Ademola. The changes injected urgency, with Moyano linking up well with Bryce and Ademola, though the latter could not keep his header down from Bryce’s cross.

Sreenidi Deccan dropped deeper in the final stages, inviting pressure as Diamond Harbour pushed for an equaliser. The numerical disadvantage began to show, with the home side often lacking presence in attacking areas.

Jobby headed wide from a promising position, while substitute Lalliansanga Renthlei saw a long-range effort flash past the post. In the closing moments, Bryce delivered a dangerous cross for Ademola, whose effort was saved by Kamaljit.

Diamond Harbour continued to send balls into the box, but Sreenidi Deccan defended resolutely. Kamaljit also commanded his area well to help the visitor see out the game and secure three crucial points.

Published on May 03, 2026