I-League: Delhi FC and Namdhari FC secure crucial wins

Delhi FC finally ended their 10-game winless streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dempo SC, while Namdhari FC returned to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 triumph against Sreenidi Deccan in the I-League 2024-25 on Sunday, March 2.

Delhi’s victory, their first since December, keeps them level on points with Aizawl FC at the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, Namdhari FC’s win reignited their title hopes, propelling them to third place in the standings.

1. Delhi FC edge past Dempo to end winless run

Delhi FC recorded their first victory in 10 matches, defeating Dempo SC 2-1 at the Coach Ali Haasan Stadium.

Goals from Cameroonian Samir Binong (4’) and Zimbabwean Victor Kamhuka (20’) set the tone for Delhi, while Trinidadian Marcus Joseph (35’) pulled one back for Dempo.

The last time Delhi FC won a match was on December 19 against Shillong Lajong. Since then, they had endured a difficult run, collecting just two points from 10 games.

Determined to turn things around, they started aggressively, with Hridaya Jain delivering a pinpoint cross in the fourth minute. Dempo’s Mohamed Ali misjudged the header, allowing Binong to slide in and score.

Delhi’s relentless pressure paid off again in the 20th minute when Jain’s corner was converted by Kamhuka. Dempo responded in the 36th minute with a brilliant free-kick goal from Marcus Joseph, but they struggled to break through Delhi’s defense in the second half.

Despite their urgency, Dempo couldn’t create enough clear-cut chances, and Delhi FC held on to pocket a vital three points.

2. Namdhari FC reignite title hopes

Namdhari FC snapped their four-game winless streak with a crucial 1-0 win over Sreenidi Deccan at the Deccan Arena. Cledson Carvalho Dasilva’s early strike (12’) proved decisive, keeping Namdhari in close contention for the I-League title.

The match saw Namdhari adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks.

Their breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Vicente De Paula Mercedes lofted a perfectly weighted ball over the defense. Dasilva timed his run to perfection, sprinting behind the backline and calmly finishing past goalkeeper Aryan Lamba.

Sreenidi Deccan struggled to find an equalizer despite dominating possession. Their best chance came in the 40th minute when David Castañeda Muñoz’s powerful strike was denied by Namdhari goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh. Lalromawia also came close in the second half, but his header was expertly saved.

Namdhari had opportunities to extend their lead, with Dasilva hitting the crossbar from a free-kick. A late scare saw Deepak DP almost score an own goal, but Lamba reacted quickly to prevent disaster.

In the end, Namdhari FC held firm to claim three crucial points, boosting their title challenge.