Margao. Chanmari FC registered their first win of the season by defeating Dempo SC 2-1 in a thrilling match in the Star Cement Indian Football League 2026-27 on Sunday.
In the match played at PJN Stadium, Chanmari came back from behind and scored full three points thanks to Lalthanzuala's goal in the first minute of injury time.
Dempo took the lead in the third minute with a goal by Lakshimanrao Rane. Chanmari K R. Ramadinthara equalized in the 23rd minute.
The match seemed to end in a draw, when Lalthanzuala scored the decisive goal in the 90+1st minute. He was adjudged the best player of the match.
Dempo took advantage of Chanmari's aggressive play in the opening minutes. Rane, moving forward from the left side, made a brilliant shot and sent the ball into the upper right corner of the goalpost. This was Dempo's first shot of the match and on that the team got the lead.
After this Chanmari gradually got hold of the game. In the 23rd minute, Denilson Rodriguez passed the ball to Gabriel Ferreira Paz on the left.
After excellent coordination between the two, Ferreira Paz gave a pass in the goal area, on which Ramadinthara made the score 1-1 by sending the ball into the goal post in the first attempt.
In the last part of the first half, both teams created many good chances, but could not score goals. The match remained equal in the second half also.
In the 63rd minute, Dempo's Kledson da Silva's shot was stopped by Chanmari goalkeeper Jothanmawia. Two minutes later, Chanmari's Denilson had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but his shot went over the goalpost.
In the last 15 minutes of the match, Dempo intensified its attack and continuously tried to score through crosses. However, Chanmari's defense put up a strong fight.
In the first minute of injury time, Guite Wanlalpeka passed the ball to Lalpekhlua. He delivered a brilliant pass in front of the goal, which was converted by Lalthanjuala to give Chanmari a memorable victory.
After this win, Chanmari has reached fourth place in the table with four points from two matches, while Dempo is at third place with six points from three matches.
Dempo will next face Shillong Lajong FC on November 19 at the PJN Stadium. Meanwhile, Chanmari will face Rajasthan United FC in Jaipur on November 20.