Chanmari FC Score Twice in Stoppage Time to Deny Rajasthan United Dramatic Win

Chanmari FC produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025-26 Championship Phase, scoring twice deep into stoppage time to rescue a thrilling 2-2 draw against Rajasthan United FC at the Kalyani Stadium on Tuesday.

Rajasthan United appeared to be cruising towards victory after goals from Gerard Artigas and Thomyo L. Shimray handed them a comfortable two-goal advantage before half-time. However, Chanmari refused to surrender and mounted a stunning late fightback through Lalruatsanga and substitute Michael Lalbiaksanga, whose dramatic equaliser arrived in the 98th minute.

The result ensured Rajasthan United finished their campaign in fourth place with 18 points, while Chanmari FC provisionally ended fifth with 15 points after a spirited conclusion to their season.

The contest began at a lively pace, with Rajasthan United enjoying greater control of possession while Chanmari looked dangerous on the counterattack. Lalruatsanga and Brazilian forward João Vitor de Paula Morais, popularly known as Jota, caused consistent problems for the Rajasthan defence with their pace and movement in transition.

Chanmari nearly opened the scoring early when Lalruatsanga forced goalkeeper Dinesh Choudhary into an important save, while Jota later attempted an ambitious long-range effort that sailed over the crossbar. Rajasthan gradually settled into the game and began showcasing their attacking quality through Amadou Soukouna, Pranjal Bhumij and Thomyo Shimray. 

Their combinations in the final third, supported by William Pauliankhum, started stretching the Chanmari defensive structure, although captain Lalrinchhana Tochhawng and defender Marlon Rangel continued to hold firm at the back. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 25th minute following a costly defensive mistake from Chanmari. A misplaced back pass from defender Zothanpuia caught goalkeeper Zothanmawia stranded off his line, allowing Spanish striker Gerard Artigas to calmly capitalise from distance and put Rajasthan United ahead.

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The goal lifted Rajasthan’s confidence, and they nearly doubled their lead moments later when Artigas found himself in another dangerous position. This time, however, Zothanpuia recovered brilliantly to block the effort and prevent further damage.Despite falling behind, Chanmari continued to threaten whenever they broke forward. Jota remained heavily involved, repeatedly testing Rajasthan’s defensive organisation from wide positions. However, Rajasthan United struck a second blow just before half-time through a well-worked attacking move.

Midfielder Kiatalua Tadeu Emous, commonly known as Norberto, won possession in midfield before threading a precise through ball into the path of Thomyo Shimray. The winger showed excellent composure, rounding the goalkeeper before finishing from a tight angle in the 41st minute to give Rajasthan a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the break.

At that stage, Rajasthan appeared firmly in control.

Chanmari, though, emerged for the second half with renewed urgency and attacking intent. Within the opening five minutes, the visitors thought they had reduced the deficit when Joel Lalramengmawia struck from distance following a scramble inside the box. However, the goal was ruled out for offside as the ball travelled through the legs of Lalruatsanga, who was adjudged to be interfering with play.

The disallowed effort did little to discourage Chanmari. Instead, the Mizoram-based side continued pushing aggressively in search of a way back into the game. Jota became increasingly influential as the half progressed, linking effectively with substitute Pedro Lucas Silva, known as Pepe. Lalruatsanga also continued to create problems down the right flank with his direct running and energy.

Rajasthan goalkeeper Dinesh Choudhary was forced into consecutive saves around the 67th and 68th minutes, denying efforts from Jota and C. Lalmuanpuia as Chanmari intensified the pressure. A few minutes later, Jota produced another brilliant individual moment, surging into the penalty area before slipping the ball through the legs of Rajasthan captain Novin Gurung. His eventual shot looked destined for the net, only for Rajasthan defenders to clear the danger off the line.

As the match entered stoppage time, Rajasthan still appeared likely to secure all three points. But the drama was only beginning.

In the 92nd minute, Chanmari finally found a breakthrough. A lofted delivery into the box picked out Lalruatsanga, who expertly guided the ball into the net with his chest to cut the deficit to 2-1 and ignite hopes of a dramatic comeback. With momentum suddenly shifting, Chanmari threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser. Rajasthan, who had looked comfortable for most of the evening, began to show signs of nervousness under sustained pressure.

Then came the decisive moment in the 98th minute.

Following a partially cleared corner, substitute Michael Lalbiaksanga collected possession on the right side before unleashing a long-range effort towards goal. What initially appeared a manageable attempt somehow slipped through goalkeeper Dinesh Choudhary’s hands and rolled over the line, sparking wild celebrations among the Chanmari players and coaching staff.

The stunning late equaliser completed an extraordinary turnaround and ensured Chanmari walked away with a deserved point after their relentless second-half effort. For Rajasthan United, the result will feel like a missed opportunity after controlling large spells of the contest and holding a two-goal advantage deep into stoppage time. Defensive lapses and an inability to manage the closing stages ultimately cost them victory.

Chanmari FC, meanwhile, ended their season with a display of character and resilience that perfectly reflected their fighting spirit throughout the Championship Phase.