I-League 2024-25 wrap: Goals galore in India’s second division as Inter Kashi comes out as sole winner

I-League 2024-25 wrap: Goals galore in India’s second division as Inter Kashi comes out as sole winner

A rollercoaster of a match swayed from one end to another before Inter Kashi beat Aizawl FC 4-3 at the Kalyani Stadium. Aizawl led 2-0 at the break before the host made a stunning second-half comeback.

Inter Kashi’s win was secured with goals from Bryce Miranda, Nicola Stojanovic, and Edmund Lalrindika, along with an own goal from Aizawl FC. Aizawl had taken an early lead with Augustine Lalrochana scoring first, followed by a double from Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia. It was reduced to 10 men after Lalbiakdika received a red card in the 90th minute.

The match saw Inter Kashi cement its position in third place in the I-League standings, level on points with second-placed Namdhari but trailing due to an inferior head-to-head record.

Sreenidi Deccan FC played out an exhilarating 5-5 draw against Shillong Lajong FC in the ninth round of the I-League championship at Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Striker David Castaneda scored a first-half brace, while Rosenberg Gabriel and William Oliveira added goals in the second-half. The Deccan Warriors’ equaliser came from an own goal by Aman Ahlawat of The Reds.

The visitor began the game on a positive note, attacking from the outset and taking the lead in the fourth minute through Douglas Tardin. After falling behind, the Deccan Warriors fought back and equalized in the 12th minute when David Castaneda finished a well-timed cross from the left.

Sreenidi Deccan FC soon found itself trailing again as Douglas Tardin restored Real Kashmir’s lead in the 15th minute. However, the Deccan Warriors responded immediately, with David Castaneda scoring a spectacular goal right from the kick-off. In the 21st minute, the visitor regained its advantage through Phrangki Buam. Despite Sreenidi’s best efforts to equalize, the first half ended 2-3 in favor of Real Kashmir FC.

Coach Rui Amorim introduced Ajay and Rosenberg Gabriel after the first hour of play, and Rosenberg made an immediate impact, heading in a cross from the left to equalise for the Deccan Warriors. Real Kashmir pressed on to retake the lead, and Douglas Tardin completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute to make it 4-3.

Brazilian forward William Oliveira was brought on in the 79th minute as Sreenidi pushed for another comeback. When awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute, Oliveira calmly converted, leveling the score at 4-4. In added time, Shillong Lajong FC regained the lead through Gladdy Kharbuli in the 91st minute. However, Sreenidi Deccan FC displayed incredible resilience, equalizing in the 97th minute through an own goal by Aman Ahlawat, ending the thrilling encounter at 5-5.

Sreenidi Deccan FC will now visit Bengaluru to take on Sporting Club Bengaluru at the Bangalore Football Stadium on January 24.