In a thrilling match in the I-League, the 2nd division of Indian football, top of the league Mohammedan Sporting Club (SC) rescued a last moment point against challenger Sreenidi Deccan FC. On the other end, another title challenger Gokulam Kerala FC suffered a setback against Namdhari FC in added-time of the match.
The I-League schedule today had all three of the title and promotion pushing teams in action. Where Sreenidi Deccan FC were hosting Mohammedan Sporting Club (SC), Gokulam Kerala travelled to Punjab to play against Namdhari FC.
Gokulam Kerala FC had an early-off against Namdhari FC. Namdhari FC, who sits 11th in the league table, took an early lead in the match as former East Bengal and Bengaluru FC striker Harmanpreet Singh scored in the 3rd minute of the match to give Namdhari the lead.
Namdhari held on the lead till the 83rd minute of the until Sourav K scored for the Gokulam side. However, it was Akashdeep Singh's goal in the 97th minute, 7 minute into the added-time, that helped Namdhari win. The match was reportedly played over 100 minutes, with reportedly 15 minutes of added-time, the reason for which is not known since the match was not broadcast, but in the end, Namdhari held on to the lead and won the match, giving Gokulam Kerala FC a massive setback in their title charge.
In the 4:30 P.M IST kick-off at the Deccan Arena between Mohammedan Sporting Club and hosts Sreenidi Deccan FC, it was also early goal that gave Sreenidi the lead as David Castaneda scored of a corner-kick of Faysal Shayesteh in the 4th minute of the match.
Despite the early goal, Mohammedan Sporting kept hold of the match, having possession over 70%, creating several chances, but lacked the quality upfront to break the Sreenidi Deccan FC wall. The first half ended with Sreenidi Deccan with a 1-0 lead.
Just like the first half, Mohammedan SC once again had Sreenidi in their control, creating chances but failing to convert, until a 84th minute goal from former Gokulam Kerala FC player Mohammed Jassim, who drilled in a heavy shot on the near-post and beat goalkeeper Albino Gomes to make it 1-1.
Both teams got their fair share of opportunities to steal it at the end, but it wasn't to be as neither could find the back of the net anymore and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
I-League 2023-2024 standing
After the double header today, Mohammedan Sporting Club continues to remain at the top of the I-League standing with 35 points from 16 matches while Sreenidi Deccan FC have jumped Gokulam Kerala to 2nd place with 33 points while the latter is now 3rd with that defeat with 32 points.
I-League action will continue this weekend also that is headlined by two huge matches. Gokulam Kerala FC will hosts Mohammedan Sporting Club in a crucial match for both the clubs on the 3rd March on Sunday, while the next day on Monday, it will be 2nd placed Sreenidi Deccan FC vs Real Kashmir FC.
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