DFC SECURES A POINT IN 1-1 THRILLER AGAINST UNITED SC TO BECOME CHAMPIONS OF I-LEAGUE 2

Face2News/Chandigarh

Table toppers DFC continued their strong run in the AIFF I-League 2 2025–26 campaign with a dramatic 1-1 draw against United SC at the Kalyani Stadium.

Coming into the match with impressive form, DFC once again demonstrated their resilient character this time through an intense, high tempo encounter that swung from control to chaos before ending in a late, hard fought celebration.

The match kicked off at 3:30 PM, with both teams eager to dominate early. What followed was a contest played at relentless speed, full of pressing, transitions, and attacking intent from the opening whistle.

For much of the opening phase, the game was a tactical deadlock. Midfield duels were sharp, movements were aggressive, and both teams fought hard for possession. DFC’s attacking play carried real urgency, but United SC’s organized defense held firm, forcing the visitors into spells without rhythm as the home side tried to dictate the pace of the contest.

At halftime, the score remained 0-0, setting the stage for a fiercely contested second half. The restart brought no drop in intensity. Both sides returned with clear intent, pushing for control in a game that had now become a genuine battle of nerve, energy, and concentration. Every attack carried danger, and the crowd at Kalyani Stadium could sense a breakthrough.

In the 65th minute, United SC found exactly that. Forward Sumay Shome stepped up with authority, driving into space before unleashing a powerful effort that thundered past the goalkeeper. It was a goal of conviction struck cleanly and with perfect timing giving the home side a crucial 1-0 advantage.

Yet, the table toppers refused to fade. Following the setback, DFC shifted the momentum. They grew in confidence, began finding spaces in transition, and gradually increased their presence in the final third. The match entered its final phase with tension rising around the ground and the visitors pushing relentlessly for a decisive moment. As the clock moved deep into stoppage time, the contest felt destined for a United SC victory.

Then came the moment that changed everything. In the 67th minute, DFC’s attacking line came alive. A dangerous ball was delivered across the face of the goal toward the far post. Arriving at exactly the right moment was their prolific talisman, Himanshu Jangra, who kept his composure and guided home a critical, close-range finish.

Players sprinted toward the corner in celebration, and a match filled with pressure, drama, and momentum swings finally had its defining equalizer.The final whistle soon followed, confirming a thrilling 1-1 draw a result that ensures DFC is gling back in the Indian Football League.

More than the single point, this was a performance that revealed the mentality of serious contenders. They attacked with courage, absorbed the setback of going behind, and when the pressure peaked, they found a way to rescue the game.

Himanshu Jangra becomes the top-scorer with 13 goals from 8 matches and DFC becomes the highest scoring team in the league with 20 goals in 9 matches, the second highest being twelve.