Sreenidi Deccan FC – 0 Shillong Lajong FC – 0
Hyderabad, Wednesday, April 1, 2026: Sreenidi Deccan FC and Shillong Lajong FC played out a goalless draw in a top-of-the-table clash of the Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday, as both sides settled for a point in a closely contested encounter. Both teams entered the match with equal points, and the contest met expectations, featuring a tactical battle where both defences remained strong and goalkeepers made crucial saves. Sreenidi Deccan FC moved to the top of the table with 11 points, while Shillong Lajong sat just behind them, level on points with Rajasthan United FC. Sreenidi goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh was adjudged the Player of the Match. Sreenidi Deccan head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto made two changes to his starting XI, bringing in Rolieny Nonato, Luis Bonevaci, and Brandon Vanlalremdika in midfield, while Shillong Lajong head coach Birendra Thapa retained the same lineup from their previous outing.
The hosts enjoyed more possession in the opening exchanges, probing for opportunities, but Shillong’s defence remained compact. The first major chance came in the 11th minute when Sreenidi captain David Castañeda tested Siwel Rymbai from distance, but the goalkeeper produced a crucial save. Shillong gradually grew into the game and looked dangerous on the counter. Everbrightson Sana Mylliempdah came close on multiple occasions. At the same time, Phrangki Buam nearly broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half with a long-range free-kick that forced a brilliant diving save from Kamaljit Singh. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Sreenidi controlling possession and Shillong relying on quick transitions. Just before the hour mark, Castañeda had another opportunity but failed to hit the target, while an alert Rymbai denied substitute Paulo Cézar. Shillong also created openings through Sana and substitute Abhay Gurung but lacked the finishing touch in the final third. As the game entered the closing stages, both teams pushed forward in search of a winner. Sreenidi came closest in the 86th minute when Pape Gassama delivered a precise free-kick into the box, but an outstanding save from Rymbai once again kept Paulo Cézar’s header out. With both goalkeepers in fine form and defences holding strong, the attackers could not find much joy, as the game ended 0-0.
