I-League 2023-24: Cut-throat battle sees Sreenidi Deccan, Mohammedan SC share spoils

The late equaliser from Jasim kept Mohammedan at the top of the I-League table.

Mohammed Jasim rescued Mohammedan Sporting from the jaws of defeat to secure a crucial 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan in a pivotal I-League match at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Thursday, February 29, 2024. His last-gasp goal proved to be a vital equaliser, neutralising the early advantage that Sreenidi Deccan had gained through David Castaneda Munoz’s first-half strike.

The draw in the closely contested match ensured that Mohammedan Sporting maintained their position at the top of the I-League table with 35 points from 16 matches. They have won 10 matches, drawn five, and suffered one loss. Sreenidi Deccan, on the other hand, missed the opportunity to overtake Mohammedan Sporting at the top of the table. They stand just two points behind, with 33 points from 16 matches, including 10 wins, three draws, and three losses.

Even before Mohammedan Sporting could settle into the match, Sreenidi Deccan took the lead. The play unfolded from a corner kick taken by captain Faysal Shayesteh from the right side. David Castaneda Munoz met Shayesteh’s well-placed corner with a precise header. His strategy to head the ball downwards caused it to bounce off the ground, catching the Mohammedan Sporting defence off guard. The unexpected bounce and trajectory of the ball left Mohammedan Sporting defenders and goalkeeper Padam Chettri unable to react in time, resulting in the ball hitting the roof of the net.

After securing an early lead, the Deccan Warriors made a tactical decision to prioritise defence over extending their lead. This shift in strategy involved retreating into their own half and focusing on keeping the Mohammedan Sporting attackers at bay.

Mohammedan Sporting were granted control of the midfield as Sreenidi Deccan focused on reducing the space available for penetrating attacks in the final third. Despite enjoying a significant share of possession, with 77 percent in the first half, Mohammedan Sporting struggled to translate this dominance into meaningful scoring opportunities. The tight marking and disciplined defensive structure of Sreenidi Deccan ensured that most attacks by Mohammedan Sporting were neutralised before they could develop into shots on target.

The most notable chance for Mohammedan Sporting to equalise in the first half came from a well-crafted move initiated by Sagolsem Bikash Singh. He managed to find Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak with a precise pass into the box. Chhakchhuak skilfully evaded his marker to get to the ball, but his final attempt failed to hit the mark, going wide and adding to his team’s growing frustration.

The second half didn’t change much as Mohammedan Sporting struggled to break down a resolute Sreenidi Deccan defence, despite their significant possession advantage.

Their persistence, though, paid off in the 84th minute when David Lalhlansanga threaded a ball between the two defenders for Evgeni Kozlov. The Russian forward laid it off for Jasim, who came on in place of Chhakchhuak in the 67th minute, and the midfielder unleashed a powerful left-footer to find the back of the net and give Mohammedan Sporting a crucial point.

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