In a thrilling encounter at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad, Sreenidi Deccan FC showcased their prowess with a commanding 3-0 victory over TRAU FC, significantly narrowing the points gap with league leaders Mohammedan Sporting in the I-League standings. This match was not just a display of footballing excellence but also a pivotal moment in the title race, highlighting the competitive spirit and determination of the Hyderabad-based team.
The game’s highlights were undoubtedly the contributions from Sreenidi Deccan’s international stars. Nigerian midfielder Rilwan Hassan and Colombian forward David Munoz were instrumental in setting the tone for the match, each finding the back of the net in the first half. Their goals not only gave their team a comfortable lead but also demonstrated the effective international blend in the Sreenidi Deccan squad. The icing on the cake came in the form of a goal from substitute Brandon Vanlalremdika during the second half’s injury time, sealing a victory that was both emphatic and crucial for the Deccan Warriors’ ambitions.
This victory is particularly sweet for Sreenidi Deccan, considering their earlier struggles in the season. A series of underwhelming performances had seen them slip down the pecking order. However, as football often proves, fortunes can change swiftly. The recent slip-ups by Mohammedan Sporting have opened the door for Sreenidi Deccan, who have leapt through it with gusto. Now sitting at 26 points from 13 matches, they find themselves just five points shy of the league leaders, with the advantage of a game in hand, reigniting the title race in dramatic fashion.
TRAU FC’s situation, in contrast, remains grim. Rooted to the bottom of the league table with a mere seven points from 13 matches, their battle is one of survival. Locked in a relegation struggle with fellow Imphal-based club NEROCA FC, both teams are desperately seeking to find a way to secure their place in the league for the next season. This backdrop of survival adds a poignant edge to every match they play, where every point could mean the difference between staying up or going down.
In another part of the league, the debutant Namdhari Football Club carved out a significant 3-2 win over NEROCA FC at the Namdhari Stadium, marking their third victory in this season’s I-League. Despite the triumph, Namdhari FC remains in a precarious position in the league, stationed at 11th place with 12 points from 13 matches. The game itself was a rollercoaster, with both teams exchanging leads before Namdhari FC clinched the win with a last-minute goal from substitute Peter Seiminthang Haokip. Earlier goals for Namdhari were contributed by Akashdeep Singh and Harmanpreet Singh, showcasing the team’s fighting spirit and determination to climb out of the lower reaches of the table. NEROCA FC’s resilience was evident in goals from Sajal Bag and Mohammed Sarif Khan, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a point from the match.
These matches not only reflect the competitive nature of the I-League but also highlight the stories of ambition, survival, and the unpredictable nature of football. As the season progresses, the battles at both ends of the table are sure to provide more drama and excitement, with every team fighting for their respective goals—be it the glory of a title or the grit to avoid relegation.
.
