I-League 2024-25: Inter Kashi Narrow the Gap to the Top with 2-1 Win Over Shillong

Kalyani, March 24 (NationPress) As the 2024–25 I-League title chase intensifies, Inter Kashi made a significant claim by overcoming Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 at the Kalyani Stadium on Monday.

This victory follows a frustrating 1–1 draw for league leaders Churchill Brothers against Sreenidi Deccan, setting up a thrilling title clash next Sunday.

Goals from Nikola Stojanović and Mario Barco in the first half were sufficient for Antonio López Habas' squad to earn three vital points, keeping their championship ambitions very much alive. With this success, Inter Kashi now matches Churchill Brothers on points, both teams boasting 38 points from 20 matches, but Inter Kashi remains in second place due to a weaker head-to-head record.

This sets the stage perfectly for the highly awaited encounter between Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers, which could potentially decide the title.

Despite showing some resilience in the later stages, Shillong Lajong struggled for the majority of the match and currently sits seventh in the standings with 26 points from 20 matches.

Aware of the match's significance, Inter Kashi approached the game with vigor and determination. Their early attacking efforts were highlighted when Bryce Miranda set up Barco with a clever through ball, though the Spanish striker’s effort hit the woodwork.

The defensive weaknesses of Lajong were eventually exposed in the 33rd minute, when Stojanović seized on a careless pass from Renan Paulino at the edge of the box, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that left goalkeeper Ranit Sarkar helpless.

Things deteriorated for Lajong just six minutes later. Edmund Lalrindika delivered a precise through ball, and Barco made no mistake, coolly slotting it home to extend Inter Kashi's lead. The hosts could have increased their advantage to 3–0 before halftime when Prasanth Karuthadathkuni found himself one-on-one with Sarkar, but he squandered the chance.

The second half resumed in a similar vein, with Inter Kashi controlling possession and creating chances, but Sarkar stood firm to keep his team in the game.

Lajong finally gained a foothold in the match in the 78th minute when Batskhemlang Thangkhiew capitalized on a poor clearance from Inter Kashi's defense, taking a brilliant first touch and firing a low shot past goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya to narrow the gap.

Despite a late push from Lajong, Inter Kashi maintained their defensive shape and successfully navigated the closing moments. Barco had a golden opportunity to restore the two-goal lead in stoppage time but failed to convert when faced with just the keeper.