This was Sreenidi Deccan’s fourth win of the season and confirmed its place in the top six ahead of the second round of matches. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

Sreenidi Deccan FC edged past Rajasthan United FC 2-1 to secure three crucial points in a match which saw both teams reduced to 10 men in their Indian Football League 2025-26 match at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Sunday.

Brandon Vanlalremdika and Lalthankhuma scored for the home side, while Issac Nortey found the net for Rajasthan. P.P. Shafeel was shown a straight red card in the 48th minute, while Lalromawia was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.

Sreenidi occupies the second spot temporarily with 15 points from eight matches, while Rajasthan is below it in third place with 14 points.

The home side looked the sharper of the two in the early exchanges, with Rajasthan appearing a bit unorganised following the numerous changes to its usual lineup. Brandon was particularly lively in midfield and had an early effort from distance blocked after being afforded too much space.

The Rajasthan defence repeated the same mistake soon after, once again allowing Brandon time on the ball in midfield, and he made them pay in the 17th minute. Driving forward after receiving possession, he unleashed a thunderous strike from distance that flew past the goalkeeper, who was left rooted to the spot.

Rajasthan started to apply pressure, while the home side remained content to sit back, defend its lead, and looked to hit on the counter. Sreenidi held firm at the back, protecting its box well and denying the opposition any further clear chances as it carried its slender one-goal advantage into the break.

Rajasthan was reduced to ten men just three minutes after the restart. Defender Shafeel, in an attempt to win an aerial duel, swung his arm into the head of Lalromawia, leaving the referee with no option but to issue a straight red card.

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Despite being a man down, the visitor created the clearer chances and looked particularly dangerous from set pieces.

The sustained pressure eventually paid off just before the 75th minute, as the Desert Warriors found the equaliser from a set piece. Issac Nortey rose above his marker to power a header from Jonathan Fernandes’ corner past the goalkeeper.

Parity in numbers was restored soon after the goal as Sreenidi was also reduced to ten men, with Lalromawia sent off after receiving his second booking of the game.

Sreenidi took the lead seven minutes from time with another effort from distance. Lalthankhuma received the ball at the edge of the box and, with minimal backlift, unleashed a powerful strike that beat goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri and found the back of the net.

It was the home side’s fourth win of the season and confirmed its place in the top six ahead of the second round of matches.

Earlier in the day, Real Kashmir FC produced a stunning second-half performance to thrash Gokulam Kerala FC 6-2 and secure its first win of the league campaign.

Moses Lalrinzuala had given Gokulam the lead in the 13th minute, but Shedrack Charles equalised just four minutes later. The host then took control after the break, with Ahteeb Ahmad finding the net, Marius Obekop scoring a brace, and late goals from Junior Traore and Calvin Baretto sealing an emphatic victory. Benjamin Kuku pulled one back for Gokulam in the second half.

The comprehensive result provides a significant boost to the Snow Leopards’ survival hopes, while dealing a major blow to Gokulam’s ambitions of a top-six finish.

Published on Apr 12, 2026