New Delhi [India], February 27 (ANI): The Indian Football League (IFL), the country’s second-tier men’s professional competition, returns on Friday, marking the beginning of a new chapter in India’s football pyramid. Formerly known as the I-League, the rebranded competition kicks off with a double-header.The opening fixture will see Namdhari FC host Aizawl FC at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib (16:00 IST). Later in the evening, Chanmari FC take on former champions Gokulam Kerala FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl (18:30 IST), as per a release from IFL.Namdhari FC vs Aizawl FCNamdhari FC begin their campaign at home after a steady sixth-place finish in the 2024-25 season. Built on structure and balance, the Ludhiana-based side will look to convert last year’s consistency into a stronger push toward the top half.Their opponents, Aizawl FC, arrive determined to reset after a challenging 2024-25 campaign in which defensive vulnerabilities cost them valuable points. The Mizoram side, however, carries experience and a proud history in Indian football, being the 2016-17 I-League champions under current national team Head Coach Khalid Jamil.The contest promises to be a tactical battle with Namdhari’s measured approach against Aizawl’s intent to re-establish defensive stability.Chanmari FC vs Gokulam Kerala FCNewly promoted Chanmari FC, runners-up in I-League 2 last season, step into the IFL spotlight against one of the most decorated sides in the recent history of the competition.Standing in their way are Gokulam Kerala FC, former back-to-back I-League champions, and one of the most consistent attacking sides in recent seasons, who finished fourth last year with 45 goals.An all-new format: The 2025-26 IFL season will unfold in two stages. In Stage 1, the 10 participating clubs will compete in a single-leg home-and-away round-robin format.In Stage 2, the league will split into two groups: The top half will enter a Championship Round (home-and-away). The bottom half will compete in a centralised Relegation Round.All points from Stage 1 will carry forward, ensuring that every match from the opening day carries weight. The team finishing top of the Championship Round at the end of Stage 2 will be crowned champions and earn promotion to the 2026-27 Indian Super League, while the bottom team will be relegated. (ANI)(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)