Sreenidi Deccan FC Begin IFL 2026-27 Campaign with 1-0 Victory over Rajasthan United

Sreenidi Deccan FC began their Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rajasthan United FC at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday. 

Experienced defender Nishu Kumar scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute, ensuring that the Hyderabad-based side returned home with all three points.

The opening fixture was a competitive contest between two sides that showed attacking intent at different stages. Rajasthan United started brightly and looked to exploit the pace of their wide players, but Sreenidi Deccan's defensive organisation proved decisive. After absorbing early pressure, the visitors gradually took control of possession and eventually found the breakthrough through a well-constructed attacking move.

The hosts began with greater energy, using Thomyo Shimray and Brijesh Giri on the wings to stretch the Sreenidi Deccan defence. Their approach was aimed at creating opportunities from wide areas and putting the visitors under pressure early in the contest.

However, Sreenidi's experienced defensive pairing of Pritam Kotal and Hadi Idrissou remained organised. Former ISL Golden Boot winner Diego Maurício found it difficult to get into dangerous positions, with the visitors limiting his opportunities in the final third.

Sreenidi Deccan created the first clear-cut chance of the match. Adriano Castanheira found Jerry Mawihmingthanga in space inside the penalty area, but the winger sent his effort over the crossbar. Rajasthan continued to attack through the flanks and earned several corners, although goalkeeper Karanjit Singh was not seriously troubled.

The visitors came particularly close to taking the lead just before the drinks break. David Castañeda released Jerry down the right, and the winger responded with a well-weighted low cross into the penalty area. Castañeda continued his run and met the delivery, but his effort struck the crossbar.

Sreenidi enjoyed the greater share of possession towards the end of the first half, but neither side was willing to take excessive risks. Both defences maintained their shape, and the teams went into the interval with the score at 0-0.

Rajasthan hit the woodwork before Sreenidi strike

Rajasthan United resumed with renewed attacking purpose and almost broke the deadlock immediately. P. Christopher Kamei unleashed a powerful left-footed effort from outside the penalty area, only to see the ball crash against the crossbar.

Foday Trawally then came close with a right-footed attempt from the edge of the box that narrowly missed the target. The Gambian midfielder remained involved in another promising move, combining with Maurício and Ricky Vanlalhriatsanga through a series of quick one-touch passes.

Ricky subsequently dribbled past two defenders before attempting a left-footed shot, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. Rajasthan had created a dangerous spell of pressure without finding the finishing touch.

Sreenidi Deccan weathered the storm and gradually regained control. Their patience was rewarded in the 66th minute with a move that demonstrated the value of coordinated attacking runs and precise passing.

Lalromawia found space on the right and played the ball to Castanheira near the edge of the penalty area. The Portuguese midfielder laid it off to Castañeda, who produced an excellent through pass into the path of the overlapping Nishu Kumar.

The experienced full-back showed composure in front of goal, curling a fine finish into the far corner to give Sreenidi Deccan a 1-0 lead.

With the advantage secured, Sreenidi head coach Antonio Rueda introduced fresh players to maintain intensity and protect the lead. Rajasthan United coach Giuseppe Cristaldi also made changes as the hosts searched for an equaliser.

The Desert Warriors pushed forward, but Sreenidi's defensive structure remained difficult to break down. The experienced backline received important support from Pronay Halder in defensive midfield, who helped restrict Rajasthan's attacking opportunities.

Maurício came closest to restoring parity when he held off his marker and unleashed a powerful right-footed effort from inside the box. The Brazilian's shot, however, narrowly missed the post. At the other end, Rajasthan goalkeeper Amrit Gope kept his side in contention with two important saves, denying Castañeda and Brandon Vanlalremdika from extending Sreenidi's advantage.

Despite their late efforts, Rajasthan struggled to find a way through the visitors' organised defence. Sreenidi remained compact, managed the closing stages effectively and protected their slender lead until the final whistle.

The result gives Sreenidi Deccan an important early boost in the 2026-27 Indian Football League campaign. While Rajasthan United showed encouraging attacking spells, their inability to convert chances proved costly.

For the Deccan Warriors, the victory was built on defensive discipline, patience and an effective attacking combination. Nishu Kumar's 66th-minute finish ultimately separated the teams, giving Sreenidi Deccan three valuable points and a positive start to the new season.