IFL 2025-26: Gokulam Kerala Face Namdhari Chanmari Host Sreenidi Deccan In Saturday's Double-Header

(MENAFN- IANS) Manjeri/Aizawl, March 6 (IANS) Former champions Gokulam Kerala FC will face Namdhari Sports Academy in the Indian Football League 2025-26 at Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri, while the newly promoted Chanmari FC meet Sreenidi Deccan FC at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl.

Gokulam Kerala FC, who will play their home games at Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri instead of their usual EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, hope to perform better than their season opener in front of a home crowd.

The Malabarians, one of the most consistent attacking teams last season with 45 goals and finishing fourth, currently have one point after a goalless draw against Chanmari FC. Despite dominating possession under head coach Derick Pereira and creating chances, they couldn’t break the deadlock.

Reflecting on the opener, Pereira said, “The first match is always tough in a league. The team did really well. We could have been a bit more clinical. We need to improve, but overall, the performance was very good. I am satisfied with the performance, but not with the result.”

Returning home, veteran goalkeeper Shibin Raj Kunniyil expects a big boost. “The fans will motivate us tremendously. I hope we get a positive result in front of our home fans,” he said. With this support, the two-time I-League champions will be eager to find their attacking rhythm and secure the points.

Standing in their way is Namdhari FC, who also have one point after a 1-1 draw against Aizawl FC in their season opener. Trailing most of the match, Namdhari earned a vital point thanks to Senegalese striker Abdoulaye Diallo, who scored a 96th-minute equalizer after a shot from Lotjem hit the post.

Head coach Harpreet Singh acknowledged their initial struggles, saying, “It was a very close game. It’s been a long time since we played professional football. We were a bit rusty, but we settled down well in the second half.”

He added, “It will be very tough against Gokulam playing on their home turf with their strong support. They have a very good squad. Their coach has a lot of experience in Indian football. We need to be at our best.”

Adding context, Pereira noted that Namdhari “play a typical Punjabi style of football.” However, he cautioned that “it’s too early to judge any team in the competition.” Historically, the head-to-head record slightly favors the visitors overall.

In their four previous I-League matches, Namdhari FC has an edge with two wins to Gokulam’s one, along with one draw, and a narrow 7-6 total goal difference. Still, Gokulam Kerala will be confident after their recent 3-1 victory on March 17, 2025.

Gokulam Kerala will aim to build on that momentum and make a strong impression at home, while Namdhari FC will look to leverage their overall historical advantage in what is expected to be a close contest.

Chanmari FC vs Sreenidi Deccan FC

In the evening match, newly promoted Chanmari FC will take the spotlight at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, supported by their passionate local fans. The Mizoram-based club, runners-up in I-League 2 last season, started their top-flight campaign with a hard-fought draw against Gokulam Kerala.

Fielding an all-Indian lineup made up entirely of Mizoram players, Chanmari showed strong defensive discipline and teamwork. Goalkeeper Zothanmawia made crucial saves, and attackers like Aron Vanlalrinchhana looked dangerous on counterattacks.

Sreenidi Deccan FC has always been a top contender, known for their organized style. Unlike their opponents, Sreenidi Deccan traveled to Aizawl sitting on three points after a tricky opening weekend match against debutants Diamond Harbour FC.

Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto’s team won 1-0 with a 60th-minute goal from Cameroonian midfielder Fabrice Kah.

Despite their win, coach Vaz Pinto remains cautious about the challenge from the promoted side. “Chanmari is new to the league. They are an unknown team, and these kinds of opponents are always tough. They are playing very well. We need to do things right,” he said.

He also acknowledged the tough nature of the season, saying, “The league is very competitive. We will face challenges in every match. We need to be prepared and adaptable. We must overcome all obstacles if we want to be the best in the league.”

Midfielder Brandon Vanlalremdika echoed his coach’s focus, noting the home team’s momentum and reaffirming their goal. “They will be motivated after drawing against Gokulam,” he said. “Our focus is on earning three points.”

Gokulam Kerala will look to continue their strong start, while Sreenidi Deccan will rely on their experience to secure three points and take an early lead in the league table in what will be their first-ever matchup against Chanmari FC.