I-League 2024-25: Delhi FC Faces Relegation After Loss to Real Kashmir
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Synopsis
In a critical match, Real Kashmir defeated Delhi FC 2-1, resulting in Delhi's relegation from the I-League 2024-25. Real Kashmir's strong first half secured their position just below the league leaders.
Key Takeaways
- Real Kashmir secured a vital win against Delhi FC.
- Delhi FC's relegation from I-League 2024-25 is confirmed.
- Mohammad Inam and Gnohere Krizo were key players for Kashmir.
- Hridaya Jain scored a penalty for Delhi FC.
- Delhi FC's defensive errors were pivotal in the match.
Mahilpur, March 22 (NationPress) Real Kashmir triumphed over Delhi FC with a scoreline of 2-1 at the Mahilpur Football Stadium on Saturday, sealing the latter's relegation from the I-League 2024-25, as they now possess no mathematical chance of survival. Real Kashmir entered the halftime break with a commanding 2-0 lead. Currently, they sit just two points behind the league leaders, accumulating 35 points from 20 matches, having played one additional game, with two fixtures remaining this season.
Mohammad Inam opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by Gnohere Krizo adding a second in the 26th minute, putting Real Kashmir firmly in control. Hridaya Jain managed to score a penalty in the 55th minute for Delhi FC, but it wasn't enough to change their fate.
The match started on a shaky note for the home side, as Mohammad Inam capitalized on a defensive error to net the opener. After advancing down the left flank, Inam delivered a low, hard cross that the defenders failed to clear, allowing him to finish the job himself.
The pressure from Real Kashmir continued, and in the 27th minute, Krizo took advantage of another defensive mishap. Debnath Mondal, the goalkeeper, misjudged a long ball aimed at Krizo, leaving him with an easy tap-in.
Things went from bad to worse for Delhi FC when Krizo had a near miss in the 40th minute, with Mondal again failing to handle a simple cross, but Joseph Lalmuanawma managed to deflect the shot over the bar.
In the second half, Delhi FC showed improvement, with Samir Binong testing Furqan Ahmad Dar several times. Their efforts bore fruit in the 54th minute when Binong was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. Hridaya Jain coolly converted it to narrow the gap.
Despite their efforts to find an equalizer, the critical errors proved costly, allowing Kashmir to secure the crucial three points and seal Delhi FC's relegation.
