Football – Manvir Singh’s Long-Range Goal Helps Namdhari Hold Sreenidi
Football – Namdhari SC earned a crucial point on the road after playing out a 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025–26 clash held at Deccan Arena on Thursday. The match saw moments of individual brilliance and late drama, with both sides sharing the spoils after an intense contest.
Sreenidi Maintain Strong Position Despite Draw
Although Sreenidi Deccan FC were unable to secure a win on their home turf, the result was enough to push them into second place in the league standings. For Namdhari SC, the draw represented a valuable outcome away from home against a strong opponent.
Hadi Idrissou played a decisive role for the hosts by scoring the equaliser and was later recognised as the Player of the Match for his contribution.
Team Selections Reflect Tactical Approaches
Sreenidi Deccan head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto opted to retain the same starting lineup, showing confidence in his squad’s consistency. On the other hand, Namdhari head coach Harpreet Singh introduced two changes, bringing in Manvir Singh and Mohammad Sajid Dhot to strengthen the side.
These adjustments proved significant, particularly with Manvir making a major impact early in the game.
Dominant Start by Hosts Lacks Finishing Touch
From the opening whistle, Sreenidi Deccan controlled possession and dictated the pace of the game. With nearly 85 percent of the ball, they created multiple opportunities but struggled to convert them into goals.
Despite their attacking intent, the hosts found it difficult to break down Namdhari’s defensive structure in the final third.
Manvir Singh’s Stunning Goal Changes Momentum
Against the flow of play, Namdhari SC took the lead in the 31st minute through a remarkable moment of skill. Manvir Singh spotted the goalkeeper positioned off his line and executed an audacious long-range strike from beyond the halfway line.
The ball sailed into the net, leaving the opposition stunned and giving Namdhari a surprise advantage heading into halftime.
Persistent Pressure Pays Off for Sreenidi
After the break, Sreenidi Deccan continued their attacking efforts, with forward David Castaneda coming close on several occasions. One of the best chances came in the 58th minute, but his header narrowly missed the target.
Namdhari maintained a disciplined defensive approach, staying compact and limiting clear scoring chances despite sustained pressure.
Idrissou Equalises in Crucial Moment
The breakthrough for Sreenidi finally arrived in the 79th minute. A well-delivered corner from substitute Brandon Vanlalremdika created chaos in the box, and Hadi Idrissou reacted quickly to slot the ball home after a deflection.
The goal brought renewed energy to the hosts as they pushed for a late winner.
Missed Opportunities and Late Drama
Just minutes after the equaliser, Castaneda found himself in a promising one-on-one situation but failed to capitalise, missing a key chance to put Sreenidi ahead.
In the closing stages, the home side intensified their attack, but Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar delivered an impressive performance, making several important saves to keep his team in the game.
The tension reached its peak during stoppage time when a header from Deepak struck the post and fell dangerously close to crossing the line. However, resolute defending from Gurshan Singh and Kamalpreet Singh Grewal ensured that Namdhari held firm.
Hard-Earned Point for Namdhari
In the end, Namdhari SC’s disciplined performance and moments of individual brilliance helped them secure a well-deserved draw. While Sreenidi Deccan FC will reflect on missed opportunities, they remain firmly in contention near the top of the table.
Both teams demonstrated resilience and determination, making it a closely contested encounter that highlighted the competitive nature of the league.