Kah and Aryan’s heroics secure three points for the Deccan Warriors against Diamond Harbour

Sreenidi Deccan FC began their 2025-26 Indian Football League campaign with a 1-0 victory over newly promoted Diamond Harbour FC at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday.

Head Coach Carlos Vaz Pinto named a strong starting eleven, with Bhaskar Roy in goal and the centre-back pairing of Muhammad Hammad and Hadi Idrissou positioned ahead of him. Hardik Bhatt and Jagdeep Singh started as full-backs, while Pape Gassama, Lalthankhuma, and Abhijith K were selected to dictate play in midfield. Captain David Castañeda led the attack alongside Lalromawia and Fabrice Kah.

The Deccan Warriors started the game on a positive note, creating several early chances from the wings and through set-pieces. Although they were unable to find the back of the net in the first half, they remained defensively resilient in the final quarter-hour to ensure the scores were level at the break.

Fabrice Kah scored the all-important goal for Sreenidi Deccan against Diamond Harbour FC in their Indian Football League at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday

The Warriors began the second half with the same intensity, continuing to create opportunities from wide areas. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Lalromawia’s delivery from a set-piece was glanced on by David at the near post, allowing Fabrice Kah to tap home and score his first goal in the Indian Football League.

As the Deccan Warriors looked to protect their lead, substitute goalkeeper Aryan Lamba produced a moment of brilliance after a penalty was awarded to the hosts following Jagdeep’s foul inside the box. With all eyes on him, Aryan dived to his right to make a crucial save and preserve the lead.

Both teams pushed for another goal in the closing stages, but the Deccan Warriors held firm to secure all three points in their season opener.

“Both teams performed much better in the second half, showing good pace and fighting spirit,” said former India captain Victor Amalraj.

“Diamond Harbour FC had a golden opportunity to equalize through a penalty, but unfortunately, they missed it — a crucial turning point in the game,” he added.

“Congratulations to Sreenidi Deccan FC for their hard-fought victory,” Victor said.

Sreenidi Deccan FC will next face Chanmari FC in Aizawl on March 7.