Inter Kashi players celebrating (Credit: AIFF Media)
Inter Kashi returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win over NEROCA FC, as Delhi FC eked past Churchill Brothers 2-1 due to an own goal.
Jordan Lamela was the star of the show as Inter Kashi returned to winning ways in the I-League 2023-24 at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium on Friday, December 1, 2023. The Spaniard scored a brace to help Inter Kashi defeat NEROCA FC 3-1. The other goal was scored by Jackichand Singh in injury time. For NEROCA, Sushil Meetei reduced the deficit.
The victory helped Inter Kashi reach 10 points from seven matches with three wins, one draw and three losses. They occupy the eighth spot. NEROCA, on the other hand, are 10th with seven points from eight games.
Inter Kashi came into the match on the back of defeats against Mohammedan Sporting and Real Kashmir. However, Carlos Santamarina’s men showed real character and intent on Friday to eke out a nice win.
Inter Kashi broke the deadlock in the 28th minute, when with no NEROCA defenders nearby to intercept, Lamela had ample time to comfortably slot the ball into the roof of the goal, giving Inter Kashi an early lead.
The lead was further extended in the added minute of the first half when Lamela scored his second goal of the match. The Spaniard adeptly evaded the NEROCA defenders and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot to complete his brace.
NEROCA tried their best to score the equaliser but the Inter Kashi defenders held firm. In the final moments of the match, Jackichand Singh made an impressive run, evading defenders with skilful twists and turns before being fouled by NEROCA’s Surajit Seal at the edge of the box.
Jackichand took the ensuing set-piece, executing a beautifully floated ball that outmaneuvered NEROCA goalkeeper Irengbam Santosh Singh and found the net, sealing Inter Kashi’s commanding lead and eventual victory.
A profitable day for Delhi FC at home
After two back-to-back defeats, Delhi Football Club returned to winning ways at the expense of Churchill Brothers FC Goa in the I-League 2023-24 at the Namdhari Stadium on Friday, December 1, 2023.
The come-from-behind 2-1 victory took Delhi FC’s points tally to 10 from seven matches. It elevated Delhi to the sixth position along with Aizawl FC, who have played one match less than Delhi.
It wasn’t a rosy beginning for the winners as they went into arrears in the 24th minute when Churchill Brothers’ Uruguayan star Martin Chaves put the visitors in the lead. Delhi FC, however, did not lose heart and found the equaliser through Sergio Barboza a couple of minutes after the start of the second half.
As if it wasn’t enough, further misery awaited Churchill during the fag end of the game. Delhi FC clinched the winner and a full three points courtesy of an own goal by Churchill defender Ponif Vaz. The Red Machines are now stuck at eight points after seven outings.
