I-League 2024-25: Sreenidi Deccan, Shillong Lajong play out a thrilling draw

Colombian forward David Castaneda shone with a first-half brace, while Rosenberg Gabriel and William Oliveira added to the Deccan Warriors' tally in the second half

Hyderabad: Sreenidi Deccan FC and Shillong Lajong FC played out a thrilling 5-5 draw in Round 9 of the I-League 2024-25 at Deccan Arena in Hyderabad, on Saturday.

Colombian forward David Castaneda shone with a first-half brace, while Rosenberg Gabriel and William Oliveira added to the Deccan Warriors’ tally in the second half. The final equaliser came dramatically in the 97th minute via an own goal by Shillong Lajong’s Aman Ahlawat.

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The visitors started brightly, taking the lead in the 4th minute through Douglas Tardin. Sreenidi equalised in the 12th minute, with Castaneda finishing a precise cross from the left. However, Tardin restored Shillong’s lead just three minutes later. Castaneda responded with a stunning goal straight from the restart to level the score again.

Phrangki Buam’s 21st-minute strike put Shillong Lajong ahead once more, and despite Sreenidi’s persistent attacks, the first half ended 3-2 in the visitors’ favour.

In the second half, substitute Rosenberg Gabriel headed in the equaliser, but Tardin completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute, making it 4-3. Sreenidi brought on Brazilian forward William Oliveira, who coolly converted an 82nd-minute penalty to tie the game at 4-4.

Shillong regained the lead in added time through Gladdy Kharbuli’s 91st-minute goal, but Sreenidi’s resilience shone through. Ahlawat’s own goal in the dying moments secured an unforgettable 5-5 draw, capping off a thrilling encounter.