The fourth week of I-League 2023-24 concluded with Aizawl FC triumphing over Neroca FC in Kolkata, courtesy of a hat-trick by Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia. Meanwhile, Gokulam Kerala and Mohammedan Sporting persist in their battle for the league’s summit, clinching victories in successive games. This matchweek showcased outstanding individual displays and top-tier goals, encapsulating the week’s excitement and skillful performances. The competition remains fierce as teams vie for dominance in a season marked by thrilling matchups and noteworthy achievements.
Mohammedan Sporting excels on the road, securing an additional three points.
In the 2023-24 I-League clash at Namdari Stadium, Sri Bhaini Sahib, Mohammedan Sporting secured a 2-1 victory over Delhi FC on Friday. The Black and White Brigade took an early lead in the fourth minute through an own goal by Delhi FC’s Gurtej Singh. Fanai Lalremsanga extended the lead in the 13th minute.
Despite a spirited effort by Delhi FC, they couldn’t breach Mohammedan’s defense in the first half. However, Mohammedan faced a setback with two players, Alexis Gomez and Mirjalol Kasimov, receiving red cards in the 29th and 45th minutes, respectively. Mohammedan Sporting now leads the table with 10 points, while Delhi FC sits in sixth place with four points.
Namdhari secures inaugural I-League victory by defeating Real Kashmir
In the 2023-24 I-League clash at Namdhari Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib, Namdhari FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Kashmir on Saturday. Winger Harmanpreet Singh netted the decisive goal in the 36th minute, giving Francesc Bonet’s side the lead. Despite Real Kashmir’s determined efforts to equalize before halftime, Namdhari’s defense held firm.
Unlike their previous match against Inter Kashi, where they lost a lead, Namdhari maintained their advantage this time, buoyed by home support, securing their first-ever I-League win. Following this result, Namdhari climbed to the 8th position with four points from three matches, while Real Kashmir, suffering their second consecutive loss, dropped to fourth place with six points in four games.\
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Aizawl FC secures victory against NEROCA with Lalrinzuala’s hat-trick in the second half
Aizawl FC staged a remarkable comeback against NEROCA FC at Kalyani Stadium on Tuesday. Despite Tarak Hembram giving NEROCA the lead in the first half, Aizawl’s Lalrinzuala emerged as the hero with a second-half hat-trick, securing a convincing victory for the People’s Club.
NEROCA initially held their ground against Aizawl’s attacks, taking the lead through a swift counter-attack. However, Aizawl’s determination in the second half paid off, as Lalrinzuala capitalized on a goalkeeper error to equalize and bring Aizawl FC back into the game.
His opportunistic play continued, with Lalrinzuala scoring a second goal from a well-placed cross by Lalbiakdika. The victory was sealed in injury time when Lalbiakdika was brought down in the box, and Lalrinzuala confidently converted the penalty.
With this triumph, Aizawl climbs to the fourth position on the I-League table with six points, just one behind title contenders Sreenidi Deccan, who have played an additional match. NEROCA remains in the relegation spot at 12th, with a solitary point.
Sreenidi Deccan Settles for a Draw in Shillong Encounter
In the 2023-24 I-League, the clash between Shillong Lajong FC and Sreenidi Deccan FC at the SSA Stadium on Tuesday concluded in a hard-fought 2-2 draw. Rosenberg Gabriel gave Sreenidi the early lead in the seventh minute, but Shillong responded with Ronney Willson Kharbudon leveling the score in the 27th minute.
Takuto Miki then propelled Shillong into the lead seven minutes later. However, Rosenberg once again played the savior for Sreenidi, netting the equalizer in the 63rd minute. Shillong Lajong FC currently sits in the ninth position with three points from three matches, while Sreenidi Deccan FC holds third place in the table with seven points from four outings.
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Rajasthan United secures victory after ending points drought against Churchill Brothers
Rajasthan United FC secured their inaugural victory in the 2023-24 I-League season with a 2-0 win against Churchill Brothers FC Goa at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Monday. Lalchungnunga Chhangte initiated the scoring for the Desert Warriors early in the game, and Richardson Kwaku Denzell doubled the lead later in the first half, establishing a commanding position for Rajasthan.
Previously positioned at the bottom of the I-League table with three consecutive losses, Rajasthan United had a strong start as Chhangte’s powerful left-footed shot found the net. Despite Churchill Brothers’ determined efforts to stage a comeback in the first half, Rajasthan’s well-executed combination play, initiated by Richard Gadze, set up Denzell to extend the lead.
Although Churchill Brothers intensified their efforts in the second half, Rajasthan United, now playing from Hyderabad, maintained defensive resilience. In injury time, Churchill Brothers came close to scoring from a corner, but Louis Ugochukwu Ogana’s header met the crossbar. The victory propels Rajasthan United from the bottom to the 10th position on the I-League table, while Churchill Brothers slips to sixth place.
Sanchez’s goal streak propels Gokulam Kerala to the summit of I-League standings
Gokulam Kerala FC continues their impressive streak in the I-League, rebounding from an initial draw to secure three consecutive victories. On the day after Diwali, November 13, 2023, at the Kalyani Stadium in West Bengal, Gokulam Kerala illuminated the festive season with a 2-0 triumph over TRAU FC. Captain Alex Sanchez showcased his scoring prowess, netting both goals in the first half, bringing his tally to eight goals in four matches.
Despite a red card for goalkeeper Devansh Dabas in the 62nd minute, Gokulam Kerala maintained their focus and secured the win, propelling them to the top of the I-League table with 10 points from four matches. Meanwhile, TRAU FC lags at the bottom with a single point.
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