Mohammedan SC were crowned champions of the 2023/24 season of the I-League, India’s second-tier club football league at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan on April 13, Saturday. However, the Black Panthers fell short of finishing their campaign on a high, owing to the 3-1 loss inflicted by Delhi FC.
Fans of the Black Panthers thronged the stands in the City of Joy to watch their side play some exciting football and lift a National League trophy for the first time in 33 years. Delhi FC quickly found the lead in the 7th minute after Pape Gassama swung in a dangerous corner. Alisher Holmurodov headed it into the back of the net to give the capital side the lead.
Gwgwmsar Gayari doubled Delhi’s lead after latching onto a through ball in the 31st minute. The 18-year-old held his composure and coolly slotted it past Lalbiakhlula Jongte in the Mohammedan goal. The home fans remained stunned as Yan Law’s young team sliced through them with ease.
Mohammedan SC score late consolation goal in the second half
Miseries continued for the Champions late into the second half when the away side made it 3-0. Bhupinder Singh put in a low cross into the box in the 7th minute of additional time and Sergio Barboza coolly converted it.
However, the home fans finally had some reason to cheer in the final minute of the game. Mirjaloi Kasimov unleashed a piledriver in the 99th minute, as it deflected off the outstretched fingers of Calvin Abhishek in goal, hit the underside of the crossbar and crossed the line of the goal.
The match finished 3-1 in Delhi’s favour but fireworks soon commenced after the final whistle as the Black Panthers lifted their first-ever national trophy. They finish with 52 points in 24 matches while Delhi FC finish sixth with 35 points in as many games.
This sets up MDSC’s imminent induction to the Indian Super League which sets up some mouthwatering clashes with the other historical clubs in Indian Football history.
Follow IFTWC for the latest updates on Indian Football.
