KOLKATA: League leaders
Mohammedan Sporting
dropped points for the second match running, following a 1-1 draw with
Inter Kashi
in Naihati on Saturday but the
I-League 2023-2024
title is still the black-and-white brigade’s to lose.
Mohammedan Sporting are leading the standings with 49 points from 22 matches. Sreenidi Deccan FC — the only team with a mathematical chance of spoiling their party — have 40 points from 20 matches and can reduce the gap at the top when they face Rajasthan United FC on Sunday.
However, if Deccan FC lose on Sunday, it would give the Kolkata club their maiden
I-League
crown.
Coming into the match following a 0-0 draw at Real Kashmir, Mohammedan Sporting took the lead through Alexis Gomez who beat Kashi goalkeeper
Arindam Bhattacharya
with a powerful strike in the 8th minute.
But the visitors looked a different side after the break and forced Mohammedan Sporting defence to be on its edge. Tomba Singh had his attempt denied by the woodwork while Mohammedan Sporting captain Zodingliana effected a goalline save.
However, Inter Kashi duly equalized in the 83rd minute. Mario Barco rose to the occasion, heading home Jordan Lamela’s cross from the left. They came back into the contest with more attacking verve and forced Andrey Chernyshov’s hosts to face some late scares before settling for sharing the spoils.
In another match, Real Kashmir blanked Neroca FC 3-0, which confirmed the Manipur team’s relegation. The win took Real Kashmir provisionally to the second place with 40 points from 22 matches, but they are already out of the championship race.
Relegated Neroca, on the other hand, are rooted in 12th place with 13 points from 21 matches.
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