As the I-League journey advances, the anticipation and intensity continue to escalate. Week 18 unfolded with riveting battles that not only upheld the league’s standards but further intensified the already gripping three-way title race. The matches delivered captivating and unpredictable moments, elevating the I-League’s reputation to new heights.
As we approach the climax of the season with only five rounds remaining, the stakes are higher than ever, and the quest for supremacy is poised on a knife’s edge. With each team striving for crucial points, the narrative of this season’s title race becomes increasingly uncertain. The stage is set for a potential dramatic finish, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the unfolding drama in the upcoming rounds.
Now, let’s delve into the performances and outcomes that defined the scintillating match week 18, where every match became a battleground for teams vying for glory in this fiercely contested competition.
Inter Kashi secure a dominant victory over NEROCA
In a thrilling encounter at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium, Inter Kashi notched their seventh win of the I-League 2023-24 season with a commanding 3-1 triumph over relegation-threatened NEROCA FC.
The first-half action saw Edmund Lalrindika propel Inter Kashi into the lead just before the whistle, but NEROCA’s David Singh responded with an equalizer after the break. Undeterred, Inter Kashi staged a remarkable comeback, clinching the victory with goals from substitute Mohammed Asif and Spanish striker Mario Vilar.
This crucial win propels Inter Kashi to fifth place in the standings, amassing 26 points from 17 games. However, the competition remains fierce, with their closest rivals Shillong Lajong (25 points) and Delhi FC (22 points) holding two games in hand.
In contrast, NEROCA finds themselves languishing second from the bottom, accumulating seven points from 15 matches. The defeat against Inter Kashi marked their 12th setback of the campaign.
Churchill Brothers brush aside Delhi
Churchill Brothers FC Goa finally broke their six-match winless streak in a spectacular fashion, securing a 2-0 victory against Delhi FC at Tilak Maidan.
Nigerian sensation Louis Ogana stole the spotlight with a remarkable double strike, finding the back of the net twice within the first 20 minutes of the match. Ogana’s clinical performance included a 12th-minute opener followed by another goal from a penalty kick just eight minutes later. This crucial win propels the former champions to a higher standing, climbing one place to 9th in the table with 17 points from 16 matches.
For Delhi FC, the defeat marks their third consecutive setback, leaving them static at 22 points after completing 16 matches in the 2023-24 I-League season.
Real Kashmir clinch victory over Aizawl
In a clash at the RG Stadium, Real Kashmir emerged victorious against Aizawl FC with a narrow 1-0 win. The decisive moment came in the 15th minute when Henry Kisekka capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Nora Fernandes, securing the lead for the Snow Leopards.
Despite Aizawl’s early attacking attempts, Real Kashmir’s resolute defense held firm. Aizawl’s misfortunes continued with missed chances, while Real Kashmir’s Krizo hit the post in a counter-attack. The second half saw Real Kashmir maintaining their lead by controlling the pace and restricting Aizawl to shots from distance.
Real Kashmir’s opportunistic win solidifies their fourth position on the I-League table with 30 points from 16 matches. Meanwhile, Aizawl FC’s struggles persist as they remain in the eighth spot with 21 points from 16 matches, having played seven consecutive matches without a win.
Rajasthan and Shillong play out a thrilling draw
In a heart-stopping I-League encounter at the SSA Stadium in Lajong, Rajasthan United FC staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 4-4 draw against 10-man Shillong Lajong FC. The match showcased a spectacular display of goals, with both teams demonstrating their attacking prowess.
Rajasthan United took the lead in the 12th minute as Lajong goalkeeper Bishal Lama’s slip allowed Naoba Meitei to capitalize on the mistake and slot the ball into the open net. Lajong, undeterred, swiftly responded with an equalizer in the 25th minute when Kynsailang Khongsit’s cross found Kynsaibor Lhuid, who headed home the leveler.
The pendulum swung in Lajong’s favor just before halftime when Douglas Rosa Tardin converted a penalty after a foul by Rajasthan defender Jefferson de Oliveira. However, Lajong’s momentum suffered a blow in the 49th minute when Allen Camper Lyngdoh received a red card for a foul on Naoba.
Taking advantage of the numerical advantage, Rajasthan United leveled the score at 2-2 two minutes later, with Ragav Gupta’s powerful free kick finding the net. Undeterred, Lajong regained the lead in the 80th minute through Daniel Goncalves’s well-timed header from Nongbri’s free-kick. The lead extended to 4-2 as Phrangki Buam capitalized on an opportunity five minutes later.
In a stunning turn of events, Rajasthan United fought back in the dying minutes. Richardson Kwaku Denzell’s solo effort, dribbling past defenders and unleashing a powerful shot, narrowed the gap to 4-3. The equalizer came from Lalchungnunga Chhangte, taking advantage of a goalkeeping error by Lama, whose attempt to punch the ball over the net backfired.
The thrilling 4-4 draw leaves Shillong Lajong FC in the sixth spot on the I-League standings with 26 points from 16 matches, while Rajasthan United FC holds the ninth spot with 17 points from 16 matches.
Gokulam’s I-League title hopes suffer a setback against Namdhari
Gokulam Kerala FC faced an unforeseen setback in their I-League title pursuit as they suffered a 1-2 defeat against Namdhari FC at the Namdhari Stadium. This marked Gokulam Kerala’s first loss after a remarkable six-match winning streak.
Namdhari FC seized an early lead in the fourth minute when Harmanpreet Singh found the back of the net. Despite Gokulam’s late equalizer by substitute Sourav K in the 85th minute, Namdhari FC secured the victory with Akashdeep Singh’s match-winning goal in the seventh minute of added time.
Gokulam Kerala FC, currently trailing just a couple of points behind league leaders Mohammedan Sporting, now stands with 32 points from 17 matches. On the other hand, debutants Namdhari FC, with 15 points from 16 matches, occupy the 11th position in the league standings. This unexpected defeat has added a twist to the title race, making the competition even more intense.
Late heroics rescue a point for Mohammedan Sporting against Sreenidi Deccan
In a nail-biting encounter at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad, Mohammed Jasim emerged as the savior for Mohammedan Sporting, securing a vital 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan in a pivotal I-League clash. His dramatic last-minute goal proved to be the crucial equalizer, nullifying the early lead established by David Castaneda Munoz’s first-half strike for Sreenidi Deccan.
This closely contested draw solidified Mohammedan Sporting’s position at the summit of the I-League table with 35 points from 16 matches. Having won 10 matches, drawn five, and suffered only one loss, they maintain a slender two-point lead over Sreenidi Deccan, who occupy the second spot with 33 points from 16 matches, boasting 10 wins, three draws, and three losses.
Sreenidi Deccan seized an early advantage through Munoz’s precise header from Faysal Shayesteh’s corner kick. Despite Mohammedan Sporting’s dominance in possession, Sreenidi Deccan strategically shifted their focus to a defensive approach, frustrating their opponents and limiting their attacking opportunities.
The first half showcased Mohammedan Sporting’s struggles to break down the resilient Sreenidi Deccan defense, with notable chances going astray. The frustration persisted into the second half as Sreenidi Deccan maintained their defensive structure.
However, Mohammed Jasim’s heroics unfolded in the 84th minute when David Lalhlansanga’s precise pass found Evgeni Kozlov, who set up Jasim for a powerful left-footed strike. Jasim’s clinical finish found the back of the net, securing a crucial point for Mohammedan Sporting and denying Sreenidi Deccan the opportunity to overtake them in the league standings.
Follow IFTWC for more news on Indian football
