Namdhari FC reclaimed the top spot of the I-League standings with a decisive 2-0 victory over Delhi FC at the Mahilpur Football Stadium on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The match saw Namdhari, who led 1-0 at halftime, scoring through Bhupinder Singh and Cledson Carvalho Dasilva, bringing their total points to 24 from 12 matches.
Bhupinder Singh opened the scoring for Namdhari FC with a goal at the 30-minute mark, following a clever setup from Jaskaranpreet Singh. This early goal shifted the momentum firmly toward the hosts. Cledson Carvalho Dasilva later secured the victory with his goal shortly after the second half began, marking his eighth goal of the season. For Delhi FC, who are struggling near the relegation zone with only nine points from 12 matches, this defeat adds to their mounting concerns as they sit at 11th place.
According to Team Sportstar, "Namdhari are no spectacular side, but they have developed a winning habit out on the field." They have showcased resilience, often pulling through even during off days, evidenced by their ability to capitalize effectively on scoring opportunities.
The match against Delhi FC did not begin smoothly for Namdhari, as the visitors took the initiative and challenged their defense early on. Tensions rose as Delhi FC's attack made significant attempts to grab the lead, highlighting their desperation to break free from their dismal standings. A near-miss occurred when Sajal Bag wasted a clear chance after being caught by surprise during a corner kick, keeping Namdhari fortunate to stay level.
Once Namdhari opened the scoring, their confidence surged. Their tactical organization and business-like approach were evident as they controlled the remainder of the match, showing their maturity as they transitioned from defense to attack. Cledson’s goal seemed definitive; he made the most of newfound space granted by the Delhi FC defense, which struggled under fast counter-attacks.
Regarding Real Kashmir FC, Sunday also witnessed their commendable performance against Shillong Lajong FC, where they secured another 2-0 victory, enhancing their home advantage. The Snow Leopards' Aminou Bouba struck first, scoring just before the half-time whistle, and Kamal Issah sealed the match late with a well-executed finish.
Real Kashmir's triumph extended their unbeaten home record to eight matches, with their performance marked by collective teamwork and resilience under pressure. The victory not only increased their points to 19, positioning them fourth on the league table, but also allowed the team to bounce back after their previous defeat at the hands of Churchill Brothers.
The match against Lajong featured several intense phases, with both sides vying for dominance. Real Kashmir, backed by over 6,000 faithful fans supporting them at the TRC Football Turf, handled the chilly conditions well and capitalized on their tactical superiority. The assertiveness showcased by their goalkeeper, Zahid Bukhari, prevented Lajong from scoring, as he repelled several early attempts.
After weathering the initial rush from Shillong Lajong, who were fresh off their own victory against Aizawl FC, Real Kashmir found the breakthrough they needed right at the end of the first half. Bouba's header sent his team to halftime with the advantage, and they carried this momentum through to the end, securing the game with Issah's late goal.
Both matches emphasized the competitive spirit of the I-League, where every point counts as teams battle for upper positions and strive to avoid relegation woes. Both Namdhari FC and Real Kashmir FC proved their mettle this weekend, raising expectations as the league progresses.
With the victories for both Namdhari and Real Kashmir, the I-League standings are tightening, setting the stage for upcoming matches. Namdhari currently leads with 24 points, closely followed by the Churchill Brothers. Their next challenge will arise on Monday, with the potential swing of points when Churchill faces Sporting Club Bengaluru, which may reshape the top of the table.
Indeed, this weekend underscored how quickly fortunes can change within the I-League, making each match not just contestations of skill, but pivotal moments for teams aiming for glory or struggling for survival. The essence of competition drives the players and teams, ensuring fans remain on the edge of their seats throughout the thrilling campaign.