Ludhiana, March 30 (VOICE) – In a thrilling encounter at the Namdhari Stadium, Namdhari FC secured their ninth victory of the I-League 2024-25 season by defeating SC Bengaluru 2-1. The match showcased a tense battle, particularly for SC Bengaluru, who are fighting to escape the relegation zone.
Akashdeep Singh opened the scoring for Namdhari FC in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed ball hung into the box by Cledson. The goal set the tone for a match that saw Namdhari take the initiative early on, despite SC Bengaluru desperately needing points to bolster their survival hopes.
As the first half progressed, Namdhari continued to create opportunities. Cledson, who was instrumental in the buildup to the opening goal, had a couple of chances to extend the lead. However, it was SC Bengaluru who came out with renewed vigor in the second half, eager to find an equalizer.
Namdhari, however, began to control the match as they settled into their rhythm. They managed to fend off SC Bengaluru’s advances while also threatening on the counter. An unmarked Manvir had a crucial chance to double the lead but scuffed his shot from near the penalty spot, which could have put the game out of reach for Bengaluru.
Substitute Karandeep also came close for Namdhari, finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his effort was saved, keeping SC Bengaluru in the game. The visitors, aware of the stakes, pressed forward and created several opportunities of their own. Clarence Fernandes had a header that went just wide off a cross from Thomyo Shimray, while another substitute, Henry Kisekka, saw his header saved from inside the box.
The drama intensified as the match approached its final minutes. In the 85th minute, Francis Addo doubled Namdhari’s lead, seemingly putting the game beyond SC Bengaluru’s reach. However, the Bengaluru side fought back with determination. Clarence Fernandes managed to pull one back in the 90th minute, scoring a goal that reignited hope for the visitors.
Despite the late goal, it was too little, too late for SC Bengaluru, who remain in the relegation zone with just 20 points from 20 matches. They are tied on points with Aizawl FC but sit lower due to an inferior head-to-head record. Meanwhile, Namdhari FC sits comfortably in sixth place in the I-League standings with 32 points from 21 matches.
As the season progresses, the pressure mounts for SC Bengaluru, who must find a way to translate their efforts into points if they wish to avoid relegation. The match against Namdhari FC highlighted both the potential of the team and the urgency required in their remaining fixtures. With the league entering its final stretch, every match will be crucial.
Fans of both teams will be eagerly watching as SC Bengaluru prepares for their next encounter, hoping for a turnaround in fortune, while Namdhari FC will look to build on their momentum and solidify their position in the upper half of the table. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as the I-League season heads toward its climax.
