Another week gone by in I-League with rousing encounters resulting in unforeseen losses and set backs for the title contenders to incredible fight for the top spots in the league. I-League never ceases to amaze us with such remarkable turnarounds and underdog stories for a long period of time. With Mohammedan SC securing their top spot safely, we take a look at how each game fared this past week.
Nail in the coffin for Real Kashmir
It was the hope and belief of Ishfaq Ahmed led side Real Kashmir which was shattered by the Desert Warriors from a very late goal scored in the dying minutes of the injury time. Marin Mudrazija, the 28-year-old centre forward who made his debut for Rajasthan was responsible for the late winner from a throw-in during the last minutes of the game. The game was defined by endless half and full chances which were not converted resulting in near-misses.
Both teams had their fare share of equal opportunities to get the three points but it was Rajasthan United who finally grabbed it. Real Kashmir, who are coming after from an appreciated victory over table toppers Mohammedan SC failed to continue the momentum and get closer to the title.
Gokulam Kerala shows their firepower
The team from Kerala has once again visibly indicated the glimpses of former champions by edging past the resilient Inter Kashi FC in their home stadium. Gokulam were clearly the dominant side with Nikola Stojanovic, the new recruitment sealing the deal with two goals to his name in his third game for the Malabarians. It was Inter Kashi who gave the early blow through Vikash Singh in the 23rd minute. Gokulam took their steps closer to find an equalizer and they got it just seven minutes later through Sanchez Lopez, league’s top scorer with 12 goals to his name. The game went faster with thrilling attacking football from both sides as Gokulam took the lead before half-time.
The second half was even more gripping as both teams fought hard to bag the three points but Stojanovic with his exceptional brilliance took Gokulam’s goal tally to three. Inter Kashi found another goal through their star player Mario Barco but again Stojanovic sealed the deal from an individually brilliant run into the box to get Gokulam three points and fourth spot in the table.
Sharing the spoils at Tilak
It was a day for Churchill Brothers to split a point each with Namdhari FC at the home stadium of the Red Machines in Tilak Maidan, Vasco da Gama. Churchill lined up in their favourite 4-3-3 formation under their new head coach Francesc Bonet who is not an unfamiliar face for Namdhari as he led the team just months back. Namdhari on the other hand rallied in 4-5-1 setup to resist the attacking prowess of the team from Goa.
It was a game which didn’t spark any flair as both half’s went on a low note as both teams struggled to dominate each other. Both of the goals came in the second half of the game. It was in the 57th minute of the game which saw a goal as the scoring chart was opened up by the team from Punjab from a neat finish by Akashdeep Singh. Churchill crawled back into the game as they found an equalizer through Uruguayan winger Martin Chaves in the 75th minute. The game went on a low note to finish as a draw.
With a point each, Churchill and Namdhari are sitting in the 10th and 11th position respectively on the table.
A day to forget for Mohammedan SC in the I-League
It was a dreadful day for Mohammedan SC as they rued their chances of extending their lead to a further seven points and played a goalless draw at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl. The Black Panthers had their fair chances to bag three points against Aizawl who were overpowered by the resilience Mohammedan displayed throughout the 90 odd minutes. It was David Lalhlansanga and Eddie Hernández who ripped open the Aizawl defense numerous times but both of them failed to find the back of net.
Mohammaden had a complete game as all of their departments were on point and in line to manifest their superiority in the league but it wasn’t enough for the team led by Andrey Chernyshov. Aizawl were relying completely on the agility and enthusiasm of their young prodigies but the team in Black dominated them in every part of possession, creation and defending. It is not over for Mohammedan as they are sitting comfortably on the top of table with 28 points from 13 outings, suffering just a single loss but their recent dip in performance will be noted by their fellow competitors to knock them off the top.
Delhi shocked by TRAU comeback
TRAU FC, the team from Manipur, made a stunning comeback which shocked Delhi FC who were leading with two goals to losing by the same margin when the final whistle was blown. The fortune changed cards during the second half when TRAU scripted a chapter of resurgence as they scored not one, not two, but four goals in a span of 11 minutes. It was Delhi who opened the scoring chart in the 3rd minute through Balwant Singh but Liton Shil immediately opened the score tally for TRAU just 2 minutes later.
But, it was Delhi who displayed dominance as they netted one more in the first half and one in second during the 60th minute through a penalty making the scoreline 3-1 to the away side. Everything went from being exuberant for Delhi to misfortune and setback as Danish Aribam scored a brace within 7 minutes in the 64th and 71st minute while Liton completed his brace just 2 minute later in the 73rd minute. Robinson Singh finished off the game in the 75th minute altering the score chart from 1-3 to 5-3 in favour of the home side.
TRAU FC are placed in the last place of the table with seven points from 12 games and Delhi are sitting in the 8th position with 16 points from 12 outings. Delhi has some tough games ahead to find back their winning rhythm and TRAU has every chance to crawl back their way out of relegation zone.
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