I-League 2023-24: Mid-Table battles intensify as Delhi FC, Inter Kashi, and Aizawl FC eye crucial wins in Round 9

Shillong Lajong, Mohammedan Sporting are the only undefeated teams in I-League 2023-24 till date.

It was a test of character and Mohammedan Sporting passed with flying colours when they defeated Sreenidi Deccan on Sunday, December 3, 2023. This significant victory propelled them to become the sole leaders of the I-League’s points table, with an impressive haul of 19 points from seven matches. Alongside Shillong Lajong, Mohammedan Sporting stand out for their unbeaten streak in the league, showcasing consistent and high-level performance.

The team’s balanced approach is evident in their impressive statistics: scoring 17 goals, the second most in the league following Sreenidi Deccan, and conceding a mere five. With the team hitting their stride, there’s now no room for complacency, especially with their upcoming challenge against Gokulam Kerala FC. They would be keen to demonstrate their all-round performance once more when they take on the Malabarians on Friday, December 8, 2023.

The Malabarians, though, would be determined to disrupt Mohammedan Sporting’s unbeaten run. They will bank on their star player Alex Sanchez to do the job for them. The Spanish striker has taken the league by storm this season, leading the top-scoring charts with nine goals, and will be eager to make an impact against the league leaders. Gokulam, currently placed fifth with 12 points from seven matches, understand the significance of a win in improving their standing.

It’s not only the Mohammedan Sporting-Gokulam Kerala clash which will be in focus in this round of I-League matches. Equally important in the league’s narrative is the upcoming battle between Sreenidi Deccan and Real Kashmir FC on Thursday, December 7, 2023. After their recent setback against Mohammedan Sporting, Sreenidi Deccan, currently second with 16 points from eight matches, will be keen to return to their winning ways and keep the title race alive.

The Deccan Warriors face a formidable challenge in Real Kashmir, a team experiencing a resurgence with two wins and a draw in their last three matches. Sitting in third place with 13 points, Real Kashmir are a team on the rise, eager to prove their mettle and continue their ascent in the standings.

Another team who would be keen to continue their momentum will be Shillong Lajong. They salvaged a draw from the clutches of defeat against Rajasthan United FC in the last round and will be eager to take home three points when they face Goan giants Churchill Brothers on Wednesday. The Red Machines, on the other hand, have had a roller-coaster campaign and will be aiming to get back to winning ways after going down to a late Delhi FC winner last week.

In the other matches, mid-table teams will be keen to make an impact. Delhi FC, who are in seventh place with 10 points, will be hoping to climb up the points table and notch up a win against Namdhari FC on Tuesday.

Inter Kashi, buoyed by their win over NEROCA, will want to add three more points when they travel to Hyderabad to take on Rajasthan United FC on Wednesday. Aizawl FC, who are in sixth place and have drawn their last two games, will hope to register a win against bottom-placed and winless TRAU FC.

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