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I-League: Namdhari FC go to top of table; Real Kashmir beats Shillong Lajong

Namdhari FC beat Delhi FC to reclaim their top spot in the 2024-25 I-League table.

Namdhari FC
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Namdhari FC (Photo credit: I-League)

By

The Bridge Desk

Updated: 2 Feb 2025 3:54 PM GMT

Namdhari FC regained their top position in the 2024-25 I-League points table with a 2-0 victory over Delhi FC at the Mahilpur Football Stadium on Sunday.

The winners, who led 1-0 at half time, scored through Bhupinder Singh (30’) and Cledson Carvalho Dasilva (52’).

Namdhari FC now have 24 points from 12 matches, two more than Churchill Brothers. The Goa team, however, can overtake Namdhari on Monday when they play their Round 12 match against Sporting Club Bengaluru at their home ground in Raia.

Delhi FC, on the other hand, are knee-deep in trouble – they have only nine points to show from 12 matches. Placed 11th in the points table, Delhi are hovering around the relegation zone for quite some time now without being able to pull off a recovery.

Namdhari are no spectacular side, not yet, at least. But they have a business-like approach that is turning out to be a huge advantage. Moreover, they have developed a winning habit that sees them through even on their off days.

It was was one such day when Namdhari were not at their best against a team, who have been struggling to stay afloat and avoid relegation. But in the initial stages, Delhi FC definitely had the upper hand. They attacked vigorously, though not always with a definite plan in mind, and kept the Namdhari defenders on their toes with repeated raids.

Namdhari defenders looked vulnerable against regular onslaughts. They were clearly lucky not to fall behind by a goal in the 25th minute. A Sanson Pereira corner from the right caught everyone in the defence on the wrong foot and but for a rather casual shot from Sajal Bag, the Delhi side would have surely snatched the lead.

Yet, despite being under some pressure, Namdhari took the lead in the 30th minute. As Jaskaranpreet Singh raced down the right and sent it low at the goalmouth, Bhupinder Singh reached in time to slam it in with a confident- looking strike.

Once they found the lead, Namdhari were a different team altogether. They gained in confidence and picked up their second goal seven minutes into the second half.

Namdhari’s Brazilian recruit, Cledson Carvalho Dasilva, is a key character upfront, but the Delhi FC defence was extra cautious in keeping him under check. But it wasn’t enough to deny him the eighth goal of the season.

It began with Ghanaian midfielder Francis Nuer Addo, who found Bhupinder on the right. Bhupinder’s cross in the box turned out to be a perfect one for Degol, who beat Lalmuansanga under the bar with consummate ease.

Real Kashmir beat Shillong Lajong

The icy chill in Srinagar did little to deter Real Kashmir FC as they warmed up their fans’ hearts with a delightful 2-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC in the second 2024-25 I-League match on Sunday.

Aminou Bouba and Kamal Issah scored in each half to help the Snow Leopards extend their unbeaten home record to eight matches, including five wins and three draws.

The victory also propelled Real Kashmir to the fourth position in the standings with 19 points from 12 games. Lajong, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm in the cold, occupying the seventh position in the table with 16 points from 12 matches.

Braving the cold conditions, the Snow Leopards showed no signs of cooling their heels. Instead, they bounced back in style after losing their last match to Churchill Brothers in Goa.

Buoyed by strong home support, their cohesive play and tactical discipline were evident as they took control of the game from the outset.

Lajong came into the match on the back of a Northeast Derby win against Aizawl FC. They started with confidence and created a few chances in the early stages.

However, Real Kashmir goalkeeper Zahid Bukhari stood tall under the bar. First, he parried away a fierce shot from Figo Syndai from outside the box and then deflected a Phrangki Buam long-range strike onto the crossbar.

Real Kashmir, too, created an opportunity when Kamal Issah capitalised on a goalmouth melee and tried to head the ball over Lajong goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar. But Lajong defender Aman Ahlawat made a goal line clearance.

Real Kashmir finally broke the deadlock in the added minutes of the first half. A long throw from the left found Bouba Aminou inside the box and the Cameroonian headed home his third goal of the season to give Real Kashmir the lead.

In the second half, Lajong players attempted to break through with quick passing but found themselves repeatedly thwarted by Real Kashmir’s solid defensive setup.

The Snow Leopards sealed the game in the 88th minute when Mohammed Aqib sent a brilliant long ball forward to release Issah.

The Ghanaian midfielder showcased his strength and speed as he brushed past Lajong’s Maxderidoff Wahlang to calmly finish past an onrushing Sarkar to give Real Kashmir another three points at their home.


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