I-League: SC Bengaluru edge Delhi FC in relegation battle, Shillong end Namdhari’s unbeaten run

The I-League 2024-25 witnessed two thrilling encounters on Saturday, February 8, with Sporting Club Bengaluru securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Delhi FC to stay afloat in the relegation battle, while Shillong Lajong ended Namdhari FC’s impressive nine-match unbeaten streak with a stunning 3-2 win.

In Mahilpur, Saiyyad Umair’s second-half goal helped Bengaluru grab a crucial three points despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half.

Meanwhile, in Shillong, Ronney Wilson’s brace led Lajong to an impressive victory over title contenders Namdhari FC, who suffered only their third loss of the season.

Sporting Club Bengaluru battle past Delhi FC

Sporting Club Bengaluru kept their I-League survival hopes alive with a gritty 1-0 victory over Delhi FC at the Ali Hasan Stadium.

A second-half strike from Saiyyad Umair (49') proved decisive as Bengaluru claimed their first away win of the season, despite playing with 10 men for over an hour.

The match, a crucial battle between two struggling teams at the bottom of the table, saw an early setback for Bengaluru when captain Carlos Lomba received his marching orders in the 26th minute after back-to-back yellow cards. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors held firm and found a breakthrough four minutes into the second half.

A long throw-in from the right caused chaos in the Delhi FC penalty area, leading to a poor clearance. Umair reacted quickly, firing a low left-footed shot through a crowded box past goalkeeper Lalmuansanga.

Delhi FC threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but Japanese goalkeeper Yuva Kuriyama produced a series of crucial saves to deny the hosts. The Bengaluru defense stood tall under relentless pressure, holding on for a hard-fought victory that lifted them to 10th place with 12 points from 13 matches, just outside the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Delhi FC remain rooted to the bottom of the table with nine points, their lack of finishing quality proving costly once again.

Shillong Lajong snap Namdhari’s unbeaten run

Shillong Lajong produced a statement performance, defeating high-flying Namdhari FC 3-2 at the SSA Stadium to end their opponents’ nine-game unbeaten streak.

The hosts started brightly, with Figo Syndai opening the scoring in the 7th minute after a well-placed pass from Damaitphang Lyngdoh.

Lajong dominated much of the first half but failed to capitalise on multiple chances. That proved costly when Namdhari’s Francis Addo equalised just before halftime (45+2'), heading in a pinpoint free-kick from Sukhandeep Singh.

Lajong, however, regained control in the second half. Ronney Wilson restored their lead in the 60th minute, rising highest to head in a well-delivered free-kick. Wilson struck again in the 71st minute, taking advantage of a goalkeeping error to give Lajong a 3-1 cushion.

Namdhari fought back late, with Addo scoring his second goal in the 90th minute. However, it wasn’t enough as Lajong held on for a famous victory, pushing them up to sixth place in the standings with 19 points from 13 matches.

Despite the loss, Namdhari FC remain second in the league with 24 points, failing to overtake Churchill Brothers at the top.