The latest round of I-League 2023-24 delivered a football spectacle, with Inter Kashi securing a victory against Delhi FC, Real Kashmir outclassing Shillong Lajong, and Rajasthan United engaging in a fierce battle with Neroca FC. Meanwhile, Namdhari FC triumphed over TRAU, and Gokulam Kerala shared the spoils with Aizawl FC. Additionally, Churchill Brothers and Mohammadean FC settled for a draw. This matchday showcased stellar individual performances and remarkable goals, underscoring the intense competition and skilful displays defining this thrilling season. Teams are fervently contending for supremacy, making each matchup a highlight of the season.
Rajasthan United Secures Thrilling Victory in Kalyani Showdown
In a thrilling seven-goal showdown at Kalyani Municipal Stadium on December 15, 2023, Rajasthan United FC clinched a 4-3 victory over NEROCA FC. The high-stakes encounter, with potential implications for the early-season relegation battle, saw Syed Suhail Pasha open the scoring for Rajasthan United. Despite Dario Junior’s own goal levelling the score, Rajasthan United responded swiftly with Lalchungnunga Chhangte finding the net.
Richardson Kwaku Denzell, Rajasthan United’s leading scorer, contributed two more goals, while Ansumana Kromah and Lourembam David Singh scored for NEROCA. Despite the loss, NEROCA slipped to 11th place, while Rajasthan United climbed to 10th, ending their five-game winless streak with nine points from 10 games. Rajasthan United looks to carry this momentum against TRAU FC on December 22, while NEROCA faces league leaders Mohammedan Sporting on December 24 in Naihati.
Churchill Brothers snatch a point away from League Leaders Mohammedan Sporting
In a goalless encounter at Tilak Maidan on December 17, 2023, Churchill Brothers FC Goa and Mohammedan Sporting Club battled to a draw in the I-League 2023-24. The match unfolded with limited clear chances, favouring the home side, though Mohammedan salvaged a point. Despite a subdued first half, Mohammedan’s midfield duo, Alexis Gomez and Mirjalol Kasimov, gained control.
A notable moment saw Gomez’s long-range attempt tipped over by goalkeeper Subashish Roy Chowdhury. The second half continued in a similar pattern, with physical play and limited opportunities. Churchill’s late surge nearly broke the deadlock, with Emiliano Torre and Louis Ogana missing crucial chances. The hard-fought draw showcased resilience from both sides.
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Real Kashmir’s Ascension: A Steady Climb Up the Leader board in the I-League
In a compelling football spectacle, Real Kashmir FC continued their impressive unbeaten streak, securing a commanding 3-1 victory against Shillong Lajong FC at the TRC Turf Ground in Srinagar on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The Snow Leopards wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Ghanaian midfielder Kamal Issah finding the net in the fifth minute, setting the tone for a formidable performance. However, Shillong Lajong responded with determination, as Karim Samb equalized in the 16th minute, ending Real Kashmir’s six-game run without conceding.
The triumph catapulted Real Kashmir to a commendable third place in the league table, leveling with Sreenidi Deccan at 20 points but trailing slightly on goal difference. Meanwhile, Shillong Lajong faced their second consecutive defeat, slipping to fifth place with 16 points from 10 matches under Bobby Nongbet’s leadership.
Having concluded five consecutive games in Srinagar, Real Kashmir now looks ahead to a challenging away fixture against Delhi FC at Sri Bhaini Sahib on December 24. In contrast, Shillong Lajong anticipates a return to their home turf at the SSA Stadium, where they will face Namdhari FC on December 23. The league unfolds with heightened anticipation as Real Kashmir’s stellar performance adds an extra layer of excitement to the I-League 2023-24 season.
Inter Kashi responds with a convincing victory against Delhi
Inter Kashi marked a triumphant return to the winner’s circle with a resounding 2-0 victory over Delhi FC at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium on Friday, December 15, 2023. Under the strategic guidance of Carlos Santamarina, the team orchestrated a commanding first-half performance, securing a two-goal lead with strikes from midfield maestros Mohammed Asif in the 14th minute and Jordan Lamela in the 36th. Notably, playing at Kalyani, this victory claimed the distinction of being Inter Kashi’s inaugural home win in the I-League.
Lamela’s netting of his fourth goal in the I-League campaign elevated him to the position of Inter Kashi’s leading scorer for the season. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Asif, with his second goal of the campaign, added to his impactful last-minute equalizer in the opening-day draw against Gokulam Kerala. This redemptive victory, following a surprising 0-3 setback to bottom-ranked TRAU, propelled Inter Kashi to sixth place in the league table, amassing 14 points from 10 matches.
In contrast, Delhi FC suffered a second consecutive defeat, remaining scoreless in both encounters after netting in each of their first eight games. Yan Law’s squad descended to the eighth spot with 13 points from 10 games. Looking ahead, Inter Kashi sets their sights on an away fixture against Aizawl on December 21, while Delhi readies for a year-end clash against Real Kashmir at Sri Bhaini Sahib on December 24.
Namdhari FC compounds further woes for TRAU FC in the clash of the bottom-ranked teams
Namdhari FC secured a crucial victory, edging past TRAU FC with a 2-1 win at the Municipal Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2023. The match saw a dynamic performance as Manvir Singh scored the decisive goal for Namdhari, responding to TRAU’s Danish Aribam who had earlier cancelled out Saurabh Bhanwala’s first-half strike.
This triumph marked Namdhari’s second win in the competition, lifting them out of the bottom two spots in the standings. Currently placed 11th, they garnered eight points from 10 matches. On the other hand, TRAU continued to struggle, remaining rooted at the bottom with four points from 10 matches. Namdhari showcased resilience and skill, capitalizing on a set-piece in the 36th minute with Bhanwala’s headed goal. The winning moment arrived in the 76th minute when Manvir Singh skilfully met Imanol Arana Sadaba’s corner with a powerful header, securing the three crucial points for Namdhari.
Aizawl FC and Gokulam Kerala FC battle to a draw in the hills
In a fierce I-League clash at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday, December 16, 2023, Aizawl FC and Gokulam Kerala FC played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Lalbiakdika propelled Aizawl into the lead in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a well-executed play initiated by Lalthankhuma and Lalrinfela’s precise cross. Gokulam Kerala’s captain, Alejandro Sanchez Lopez, leveled the score with a crucial equalizer in the added minutes of the first half, solidifying his status as the tournament’s top-scorer with 10 goals.
The stakes were high as both teams sought a pivotal win in their pursuit of the I-League title. However, neither side could establish dominance. The draw positions Aizawl in fourth place with 18 points from 10 matches (five wins, three draws, two losses), while Gokulam Kerala holds the sixth spot with 14 points (three wins, five draws, two losses).
Despite Aizawl’s early lead, Gokulam Kerala’s effective defensive strategy neutralized Lalrinzuala, the league’s second-highest scorer with nine goals. The second half saw the Malabarians creating numerous opportunities, but Aizawl’s vigilant goalkeeper Nora Fernandes ensured the score remained level at 1-1, concluding a challenging and evenly contested encounter.
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