I-League: Sreenidi win; Berlanga hat-trick lifts Inter Kashi to top

The 2024-25 I-League season witnessed contrasting fortunes for two teams on Sunday, with Sreenidi Deccan securing their first victory and Inter Kashi extending their dominant run.

Sreenidi Deccan edged past Churchill Brothers 2-1 at the Deccan Arena, securing their first points of the season. The victory came courtesy of goals from Afghan playmaker Faysal Shayesteh and Panamanian forward Angel Orelien.

The match began with Sreenidi Deccan on the front foot. A set-piece opportunity in the 23rd minute saw Shayesteh curl a superb free-kick over the wall, leaving the Churchill goalkeeper stranded. Churchill however, kept up the pressure, but Sreenidi’s defence, marshalled by a disciplined backline, held firm until half-time.

In the second half, a defensive lapse by Churchill’s Stendly Teotonio Fernandes led to a quick counterattack, allowing Munoz to set up Orelien, who calmly slotted home in the 73rd minute. Churchill Brothers responded late, with Lamgoulen Hangshing capitalizing on a loose ball in the 91st minute to score, but Sreenidi held on for the win.

The match was attended by the Honourable Governor of Telangana, Jishnu Dev Varma, who interacted with players from both sides after the game.

Inter Kashi rout Delhi FC

Inter Kashi produced a stunning display to dismantle Delhi FC 5-1, thanks to a hat-trick from Moroccan striker Domingo Berlanga. The victory marked Inter Kashi’s second consecutive win, placing them at the top of the table with six points.

Berlanga opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, showing remarkable persistence to beat Delhi’s defence and calmly slot home. He doubled the tally in the 57th minute with a clinical finish and completed his hat-trick just two minutes later with a composed strike inside the box.

Edmund Lalrindika added to Delhi’s woes in the 62nd minute, converting a cut-back from Joni Kauko, who orchestrated the midfield throughout the game. Serbian midfielder Nikola Stojanovic sealed the win with a thunderous left-footed strike in the 68th minute.

Delhi FC managed a consolation goal through Himanshu Jangra, who converted a penalty in the 71st minute but it was too little, too late.

League Standings

Inter Kashi are now leading the I-League standings with six points from two matches, while Sreenidi Deccan will look to build on their hard-fought victory. Churchill Brothers and Delhi FC, meanwhile, will need to regroup as they search for their first wins of the campaign.