Ludhiana/Srinagar, Sunday, April 5, 2026: Namdhari SC will host title challenging Diamond Harbour FC in the Star Cement Indian Football League 2025–26 fixture at the Namdhari Football Stadium on Monday, April 6, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 IST.
Later in the evening, Real Kashmir FC play Chanmari FC at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar at 18:30 IST Real Kashmir continue the chase for their first victory of the season.
The matches will be broadcast live on DD Sports and Sony Sports Network, and streamed on Waves and Sony LIV.
Namdhari SC vs Diamond Harbour FC
Namdhari SC will be aiming to build on their away draw against Dempo SC. The result moved the Punjab side to seventh place with six points.
Head coach Harpreet Singh will focus on absorbing pressure and executing quick transitions to challenge the visitors.
Diamond Harbour FC arrive in Punjab at the top of the table with 13 points from six matches, following a 2-1 victory over Real Kashmir FC. Hugo Díaz and substitute Sunday Kolawole secured the win with second-half strikes.
Head coach Kibu Vicuña is prepared for the quick turnaround. “We are playing Monday against Namdhari on natural grass. The opponents are also completely different, a different team with different players, different style. So it’s a new challenge, as every single challenge is in the Indian Football League.”
Under Vicuña, the side prioritises possession to dictate the tempo. Defender Mikel Kortazar emphasised an internal focus to maintain their form. “We need to look at ourselves first because we are improving match by match,” Kortazar stated. “We need to do our best because like this we are going to have chances to win all the matches.”
Real Kashmir FC vs Chanmari FC
Real Kashmir FC, playing at their home, will be looking to bounce back from a 1-2 defeat to Diamond Harbour FC. The loss kept the Snow Leopards at the bottom of the standings with two points.
Despite the results, head coach Ishfaq Ahmed remains resolute about securing their first win. “We are mentally prepared for the home match and we are looking to get three points,” Ahmed stated. “We had a really good team meeting and despite a few setbacks, everybody is aware of the importance and are gearing up for the challenge.”
Defender Basit Ahmed Bhat highlighted the team’s form. “The team is really confident as we played great football in the last two matches but the result didn’t go in our favour,” Basit noted. “We are focussed on getting into the top six and it’s only a matter of a couple of matches.”
Ahmed’s side utilises a direct approach, focusing on counter-attacks and set pieces. Players like Shedrack Charles and Traore anchor their attacking transitions.
The squad must maintain defensive discipline and convert chances in the final third to secure a result in front of their supporters in Srinagar.
Chanmari FC travel to Srinagar aiming to recover from a 0-2 defeat to Rajasthan United FC. The result left the debutants in eighth place with five points from six matches. Under head coach Dipankur Sharma, the team showed attacking intent through the flanks but lacked final-third execution.
The side relies on swift counter-attacks orchestrated by Brazilian forward Jota and the pace of KC Malsawmsanga. The squad must regroup defensively to contain the hosts and collect points on the road.
With Namdhari attempting to halt the table toppers and Real Kashmir desperate to secure their first win of the campaign, Monday’s double-header presents significant implications for both ends of the standings.
