I-League 2023-24: Team of the Week for GW 1

Indian players dominated I-League 2023-24 Gameweek 1.

The latest edition of the I-League, the second division of Indian football, commenced on October 28, 2023. This eagerly anticipated second season will feature a promotion model, where the league’s victor will have the opportunity to compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) in the upcoming season.

A total of 13 teams are participating in this campaign. Namdhari FC and Inter Kashi have recently joined the tournament. Punjab FC emerged as the winners of the previous season and have now secured a place in the ISL. Delhi FC and Shillong Lajong FC are the two teams that have been promoted from I-League Second Division, replacing the relegated Mumbai Kenkre and Sudeva Delhi.

As the first week of the tournament has ended, we will now have a look at the players who made it to the Team of the Week.

GK – Padam Chhetri (Mohammedan SC)

Padam Chhetri played a pivotal role in securing Mohammedan SC’s first victory in the tournament. He exhibited exceptional skills as a goalkeeper, effectively preventing Aizwal FC from scoring a second goal and thereby maintaining an advantageous position for his team. 

RB – Lalhrezuala Sailung (Aizwal FC)

Even though Aizwal FC faced defeated against Mohammedan, Sailung exhibited an exceptional performance. He consistently prevented Mohammedan SC’s strikers from entering the box and made crucial clearances when it mattered.

CB – Wayne Vaz (Real Kashmir) 

Wayne Vaz not only exhibited exceptional control over the game in the defensive line, but he also demonstrated his versatility by occasionally pushing forward. Furthermore, Vaz had the honor of scoring the first goal for Real Kashmir, marking the inaugural goal of the current tournament.

CB – Pawan Kumar (Sreenidi Deccan)

Pawan Kumar showcased an exceptional performance for Sreenidi Deccan. Despite the fact that Deccan’s defensive line faced minimal threats during the match, the defender successfully eliminated every opportunity for the opposing team through precise and proficient clearances.

LB – Samad Ali Mallick (Mohammedan SC)

Samad played a pivotal role in the first victory of Mohammedan SC. The defender effectively contained the wingers of Aizwal FC and displayed tremendous dedication for his team.

CDM – Lalromawia (Sreenidi Deccan)

Lalromawia not only successfully scored a goal for Sreenidi, but also displayed impeccable coverage of every inch of the playing field. In addition, he made crucial clearances, showcasing his exceptional defensive skills.

CAM – Edu Bedia (Gokulam Kerala)

Edu Bedia displayed exceptional performance in the midfield zone and established a noteworthy partnership with Noufal on the right flank, effectively maintaining possession despite the defensive line’s vulnerability.

RW – Noufal P.N. (Gokulam Kerala)

Noufal P.N. demonstrated exceptional skills and prowess in the match, making him the standout player for Kerala. His remarkable control over the ball in midfield, as well as his strategic crosses and pivotal goal, contributed significantly to Gokulam Kerala’s performance.

LW – Edmund Lalrindika (Inter Kashi)

Edmund successfully netted the opening goal for Inter Kashi in their inaugural match, swiftly leveling the score within a mere 30 minutes of play. Additionally, he displayed strategic prowess by frequently advancing towards the opposition’s penalty area, which resulted in the creation of several delightful opportunities for his team.

ST – Liton Shil (TRAU)

Liton Shil successfully netted the first and solitary goal for TRAU in their opening match. His impeccable prowess in dribbling and effortlessly surpassing the defensive line showcased his exceptional skills with utmost composure.

ST – Balwant Singh (Delhi FC)

Balwant Singh secured a crucial goal for Delhi during their first match, thus granting them an equalizer. This goal also proved instrumental in enabling his team to achieve a draw.

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