The latest week in the I-League witnessed thrilling matches and surprising upsets, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Unforeseen losses and unexpected setbacks challenged the title contenders, highlighting the fierce competition for the league’s top positions. Mohammedan SC maintained their lead, showcasing their dominance in the tournament. Each match brought its own share of excitement, contributing to the league’s reputation for delivering remarkable turnarounds and underdog triumphs. As the competition intensifies, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling encounters in the weeks to come.
Namdhari FC Secures Full Points with Bhatkal’s Last-Minute Goal
Debutants Namdhari secured their third victory in the I-League 2023-24 season by narrowly defeating NEROCA FC 3-2 at the Namdhari Stadium on Wednesday. With a halftime lead of 2-1, Namdhari FC displayed resilience against their opponents.
Despite the win, both Namdhari and NEROCA continue to struggle in the league standings, occupying the 11th and 12th positions, respectively. While Namdhari’s victory provided some relief, it did little to improve their league position. Following the win over NEROCA, Namdhari FC remains in the 11th position, although their points tally has increased to 12 from 13 matches. NEROCA, on the other hand, faces the looming threat of relegation, having accumulated only seven points from 12 matches. Namdhari’s last victory prior to this match was on December 17 last year, when they secured a 2-1 win over TRAU FC.
In a closely contested match, NEROCA FC came close to salvaging a point until a last-minute goal by substitute Amey Bhatkal tilted the scales in favor of the hosts. Akashdeep Singh and Harmanpreet Singh were the other goal scorers for Namdhari, while Sajal Bag and Mohammed Sarif Khan found the net for NEROCA.
Late Goal by Barboza Secures Victory for Delhi FC against Aizawl FC
Delhi FC clinched their third consecutive home victory with Sergio Barboza’s last-minute winner securing a 1-0 triumph over Aizawl FC at the Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on February 15, 2024. Following a narrow escape after squandering a two-goal lead against TRAU, Yan Law’s team found solace in this hard-fought win, propelling them to sixth place on the table with 19 points from 13 games. Notably, it marked the newly-promoted side’s second clean sheet in the last three matches.
In contrast, Aizawl FC suffered their first defeat in nine matches, reminiscent of their previous loss to Delhi in November, where they were routed 5-1 at home. Although the contest at the Namdhari Stadium was fiercely contested, the outcome mirrored their previous encounter. This setback further distanced the Reds from the title contenders, leaving them in fifth place with 20 points, trailing leaders Mohammedan by 11 points, albeit with a game in hand.
Barboza’s late heroics elevated him to joint-fourth place in the race for the I-League golden boot, with his season tally reaching seven goals. Looking ahead, Delhi FC will aim to maintain their winning momentum at home as they face Gokulam Kerala on February 19 at 2 pm. Meanwhile, Aizawl FC will return to the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium for the start of five consecutive home games, beginning with a clash against Sreenidi Deccan on the same day at 7 pm.
Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers share the spoils in Kalyani
Churchill Brother faced off against debutants Inter Kashi in the Kalyani Municipality Stadium on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams heading into halftime without finding the back of the net.
Although both sides secured a point, Churchill Brothers may rue missed opportunities as they were arguably the better team on the field. Sitting uncomfortably in 10th place with only 14 points from 13 matches, they were in dire need of a victory. Meanwhile, Inter Kashi remains in the middle of the table, currently occupying the seventh position with 19 points from 14 outings. Their earlier qualification for the Kalinga Super Cup this season suggests ambitions to climb higher in the standings.
Despite Churchill’s dominance in possession and attacking prowess, their inability to capitalize on chances proved to be their downfall. The game witnessed a flurry of action within the first 10 minutes of the second half, with both goals scored during this period. Churchill took the lead in the 52nd minute through Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Kofi Essien, seizing an opportunity in the Inter Kashi box. However, their joy was short-lived as Inter Kashi equalized just four minutes later. Stendly Fernandes provided a dangerous cross, leading to an own goal by Nischal Chandan, allowing Muhammad Ajsal to capitalize and level the score.
Despite protests from Inter Kashi players about offside, the referee stood by his decision, leaving the Goa side frustrated. Nevertheless, Inter Kashi capitalized on defensive errors to secure a valuable point. Churchill goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury found himself helpless in the face of Inter Kashi’s determined attack.
Eddie’s Hat-Trick Propels Mohammedan Sporting to Return to Form in I-League
Mohammedan Sporting bounced back from recent setbacks to reclaim their spot at the top of the I-League 2023-24 table with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Rajasthan United FC at the Naihati Bankimanjali Stadium on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
Eddie Hernandez, the Honduran footballer, stole the spotlight with an impressive hat-trick. The hosts dominated proceedings from the start, leading 3-1 at halftime and adding two more goals in the second half to secure a commanding win. With 31 points from 14 matches, Mohammedan Sporting reaffirmed their position as leaders, following a brief dip in form with only one point earned from their previous two matches. Meanwhile, Rajasthan United languishes in ninth place with 15 points from 13 matches.
In an eventful first half, Mohammedan Sporting showcased their attacking prowess early on but lacked the composure that characterized their earlier performances in the season. Lalremsanga opened the scoring in the 21st minute after Vanlalzuidika’s cross and an initial save by Bhabindra Malla Thakuri. However, Rajasthan United quickly responded with a goal from William Pauliankhum just minutes later.
Despite Rajasthan’s brief resurgence, Mohammedan Sporting regained control before halftime, with Hernandez extending their lead with a clinical finish assisted by Bikash Singh. The momentum swung further in favor of Mohammedan Sporting when Hernandez capitalized on another opportunity just before halftime, doubling his tally and leaving Rajasthan United goalkeeper Thakuri sidelined due to injury.
The second half saw Mohammedan Sporting continue their dominance, with Kasimov converting a penalty in the 64th minute after a foul by Amritpal Singh on David Lalhlansanga. Hernandez completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute, sealing Mohammedan Sporting’s resounding victory and restoring their form after the AFC Asian Cup enforced break.
Gokulam Kerala FC Secures Third Consecutive Victory with Stellar Performances from Sourav and Babovic
Gokulam Kerala FC secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Shillong Lajong FC in a pivotal I-League encounter at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode on Monday, February 12, 2024.
Sourav K and Matija Babovic found the back of the net for Gokulam Kerala, marking their third consecutive win following impressive performances against Sreenidi Deccan FC and Inter Kashi. This victory propelled Gokulam Kerala to the third position in the I-League standings, amassing 23 points from 13 matches. On the other hand, Shillong Lajong FC maintained their sixth spot with 19 points from 13 games.
The match commenced with both teams adopting a cautious approach, resulting in a tentative first half marked by scrappy play and limited offensive opportunities. Despite their cautious start, Gokulam Kerala demonstrated intent through numerous attacks and controlled possession. However, their initial efforts lacked the necessary cutting edge to breach Lajong’s defence.
Meanwhile, Lajong focused on a defensive stance, effectively disrupting Gokulam Kerala’s rhythm by closing down spaces and marking key players like Alejandro Sanchez. The Spanish striker, the league’s top scorer, found it challenging to make an impact due to Lajong’s disciplined defensive approach. The deadlock was eventually broken in added time of the first half when Sourav capitalized on a defensive error to give Gokulam Kerala the lead with a well-placed shot.
Buoyed by their late first-half goal, Gokulam Kerala carried their momentum into the second half, controlling the midfield and dictating the tempo of the game. Their dominance paid off in the 72nd minute when Babovic doubled their lead, courtesy of a precise assist from Sanchez. With a comfortable two-goal advantage, Gokulam Kerala managed to see out the game and secure a crucial victory.
Sreenidi Deccan Narrows Margin at the Summit with Convincing Victory
Sreenidi Deccan narrowed the gap between themselves and Mohammedan Sporting at the summit of the I-League table with a commanding 3-0 victory over TRAU FC at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
Nigerian midfielder Rilwan Hassan and Colombian forward David Munoz spearheaded the home side’s performance by each scoring a goal in the first half, while substitute Brandon Vanlalremdika sealed the win with a third goal in second-half injury time. This comprehensive victory reaffirmed Sreenidi Deccan’s resurgence in the title race, capitalizing on Mohammedan Sporting’s recent setbacks. With 26 points from 13 matches, the Deccan Warriors now trail the Black and White Brigade by five points, with a game in hand.
In contrast, TRAU FC remained entrenched at the bottom of the league table with seven points from 13 matches. Their relegation battle intensifies as they are level on points with NEROCA FC, who suffered a 2-3 defeat against Namdhari FC earlier. Both Imphal-based teams are currently locked in a precarious position in the league standings.
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