In a tense I-League encounter at the Fatorda Stadium, Inter Kashi edged past Dempo SC 1-0 on Friday, thanks to a late goal from Joni Kauko.
This vital win propelled Inter Kashi to the top of the league standings, now boasting 14 points from seven games, comprising four wins, two draws, and a single loss, overtaking Churchill Brothers who sit just a point behind.
Dempo SC, reeling from their second consecutive loss, find themselves in sixth place, accumulating 10 points from their seven matches. Despite their solid defensive record, being one of the most frugal teams in the league this season, Dempo ultimately struggled to contain a determined Inter Kashi side.
The match was predominantly controlled by Inter Kashi, whose dominance in possession and number of attempts were a testament to their intentions from the start. However, their finishing was less than clinical, with Spanish forward Domingo Berlanga and Serbian midfielder Nikola Stojanovic missing key opportunities to put their team ahead.
Adding to Inter Kashi’s challenges was the absence of their coach, Antonio López Habas, serving a suspension. His tactical acumen was sorely missed along the sidelines, yet the team managed to maintain their composure and strategic play throughout the match.
As the game neared its conclusion without a goal, it appeared that Dempo might hold on for a draw and yet another clean sheet. However, Joni Kauko, the Finnish international, decided the match in the dying moments.
Following a blocked shot from a teammate, Kauko was perfectly positioned to head the dropping ball into the net, securing a crucial victory for Inter Kashi.
This goal not only gave Inter Kashi the three points but also highlighted Kauko’s importance to the team, stepping up crucially for his sixth goal contribution of the season (two goals, four assists).
Shillong Lajong starts the New Year with three points
Shillong Lajong FC rode Aman Ahlawat’s 34th-minute strike to return to winning ways with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Real Kashmir FC in a closely contested I-League 2024-25 fixture at the SSA Stadium, here, on Friday.
This match marked Lajong’s first-ever win against Real Kashmir, an achievement complemented by the standout performance of goalkeeper Manas Dubey.
The win helped Shillong Lajong move to seventh position in the points table with nine points from seven matches. They have notched up two wins, drawn three matches, and lost twice. Real Kashmir, still searching for consistency since their last victory four matches ago, is in the ninth spot.
The crucial encounter saw Shillong Lajong recovering from a recent defeat to Delhi FC. Banking on their local support, the home side started the match with high energy as they pressed Real Kashmir early on.
The breakthrough for Lajong came in the 34th minute when captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri expertly navigated the ball into the penalty area. A defensive error from Real Kashmir’s Muhammad Hammad allowed the ball to fall perfectly for Aman Ahlawat, who seized the moment with both hands.
His powerful strike was poorly handled by goalkeeper Mohammad Arbaz, who despite getting a hand to it, couldn’t prevent the ball from crossing the line.
The goal instilled confidence in Lajong players, who controlled the pace and flow for the remainder of the first half.
Post-interval, Real Kashmir, driven by coach Ishfaq Ahmed’s tactical adjustments, surged forward in search of the equalizer. They created numerous scoring opportunities, the best of which saw Basit Ahmed Bhat’s ferocious long-range attempt thunder against the crossbar.
Real Kashmir’s offensive efforts intensified as the game progressed, but Manas Dubey’s exceptional goalkeeping became the cornerstone of Lajong’s defense. Dubey made several crucial saves, maintaining the home side’s lead against the persistent Kashmiri attacks.
In a particularly heart-stopping moment, when Dubey was finally beaten, Nongbri too, got into the act when he heroically cleared the ball off the line, ensuring that Lajong kept their advantage.
Despite being reduced to reactive play for much of the second half, Shillong Lajong managed to hold off Real Kashmir’s advances, clinching a critical win.
Comments are closed.