Shillong, May 10: Diamond Harbour FC almost have the Indian Football League 2025-26 title in the bag after Shillong Lajong FC drew 1-1 with Sreenidi Deccan FC at the latter’s home ground in Hyderabad this evening.
It started brilliantly for the hosts as David Castaneda Munoz scored in just the 9th minute of the match but Phrangki Buam levelled with a spot kick for Lajong in the 59th minute; this was his sixth goal of the season.
If either team had lost today they would have been out of the race for the IFL title. A draw just about keeps them both in the hunt, though they are both 6 points adrift of Diamond Harbour, who have 28 points. DHFC needed just 1 point from either of their two remaining fixtures (one of which will be against Lajong) to take the title.
Lajong coach Birendra Thapa made four changes from the starting lineup against Chanmari FC eight days ago. Ranit Sarkar started in goal again in place of Siwel Rymbai. Also coming in were Gladdy Kharbuli, Everbrightson Mylliempdah and Figo Syndai in place of Ephraim Lalremtluanga, Abhay Gurung and Jakob Vanlalhimpuia.
SLFC’s next match will see them return to Shillong for their last home match of the season, which will be against Rajasthan United FC on May 15.
