Kolkata, July 5: Diamond Harbour FC sealed their first victory of the Calcutta Football League 2025 campaign in their second fixture against Wari Athletic Club, with a 1-0 scoreline on Saturday at the Bidhannagar MSC Ground. After ending their first fixture in a goalless draw, DHFC finally opened their scoring account in the ongoing CFL 2025 with a late winner from Thanglalsoun Gangte in the dying moments of the match.

The match kicked off with a slow rhythm, but by the 21st minute, Wari AC created a goal-bound chance. From the right flank, Sourav Biswas sent a cross into the box, but before Dinesh Singh could attempt a proper finish, Subhodeep Ghosh intercepted and cleared the threat. Within five minutes, from a quick attack, Diamond Harbour FC got a chance, however, Rahul Paswan failed to make a proper header from an inch-perfect cross delivered from the left side by Supriyo Pandit, missing the scoring chance narrowly.

In the 39th minute, Diamond Harbour FC got a goal-bound chance. As the goalkeeper came off his line, Narayan Tudu cut past him and entered the box from the left corner, placing a grounded shot toward the empty post. However, the attempt was deflected wide by Wari defender, resulting in a corner kick, which Diamond Harbour FC failed to convert into a goal.

In the second half, in the 54th minute, when Narayan Tudu’s shot was collected by the Wari goalkeeper, the team launched a quick counter-attack. From the right flank, Narayan Chetri attempted a shot, but it hit the side netting, ending a goal-bound opportunity for Wari.

In the 82nd minute of the match, Diamond Harbour FC got a promising chance to break the deadlock. From the right side, just outside the box, Akash Hemram delivered a cross into the six-yard box, but Aqib Nawab failed to place it into the net. As the match running towards the final whistle, it seemed destined to end goalless. However, in the dying moments, Gangte, who had just entered the pitch in the 87th minute, broke the deadlock for Diamond Harbour FC.

In the last minute of the additional time at 90+5th, from the left, substitute Dilip Oraon delivered a low cross that deflected off the post after touching the goalkeeper’s hand. The ball fell inside the six-yard box, where Narayan Chetri failed to clear it properly, allowing Gangte to slot it into the net.

Diamond Harbour players celebrating after Gangte scored late winner

In the next minute, Diamond Harbour FC launched another quick attack, which Wari goalkeeper Mithun Samanta came off his line to stop. He caught the ball just outside the eighteen-yard box, resulting in a red card and a free kick for Diamond Harbour FC. Dinesh Singh was substituted, and the second goalkeeper Md. Faisal came on. Dilip Oraon took the free kick, but his on-target effort was saved by the newly introduced keeper.

A lapse in concentration in the dying minutes and a costly red card proved decisive for Wari AC. On the other hand, Diamond Harbour FC showed resilience and hunger till the final whistle. Gangte’s decisive strike and the team’s ability to capitalise on crucial moments could provide the much-needed momentum as they look ahead to their upcoming fixtures.