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There is no stopping Mohammedan Sporting in the I-League this season. It’s time for Round 11 and the Kolkata giants have managed to remain unbeaten in the league so far. Their resilience in clinching victories in closely-contested matches and their relentless hunger to maintain their momentum at critical moments have been key to their success. They have executed their strategies with precision and ruthlessness and emerged as the sole leaders in the I-League standings with 23 points from nine matches, including seven wins and two draws.
The focus, though, will now shift to Churchill Brothers, Mohammedan Sporting’s next opponents. This upcoming match on December 17 in Goa is drawing significant attention, especially from teams like Sreenidi Deccan, Aizawl FC, and Real Kashmir FC, who are currently second, third, and fourth in the league, respectively. They are all keen to see if Churchill Brothers can achieve what seems almost impossible – bringing the high-flying Mohammedan Sporting back down to earth.
The Red Machines, currently positioned ninth in the league, will have a point to prove. With 11 points from nine matches, including three wins, two draws, and four losses, the Goan heavyweights will be keen to make a strong statement. Key to their strategy will be their in-form striker, Ricardo Dichiara, who has already netted five goals in the league.
If Churchill Brothers manage to defeat Mohammedan Sporting, it could significantly alter the dynamics of the I-League, offering a chance for other title contenders to make their move. This potential shift makes upcoming matches even more crucial, particularly Real Kashmir FC versus Shillong Lajong FC on December 15, and Aizawl FC versus Gokulam Kerala FC on December 16.
Real Kashmir have been the most miserly team in this season’s I-League, conceding only four goals. It has been the key to their success and the team has risen rapidly in the standings to find themselves third with 17 points from nine games, including five wins, two draws and two losses. Their defence would be keen to secure another clean sheet against Shillong Lajong FC. Up front, Gnohere Krizo, who scored a brace in the last game, will be fancying his chances.
Shillong Lajong FC, though, won’t concede ground easily. The side’s unbeaten streak was brought to an end when they lost to Aizawl FC in their last match and will be keen to bounce back. A win can improve their current fifth spot in the standings. Lajong have 16 points from nine matches with four wins, four draws and one loss.
In the other match, Gokulam Kerala FC, too, will be aiming to return to winning ways after their loss against Real Kashmir FC. But they will have a tough task on their hands against the ruthless Aizawl FC. A vital subplot in this matchup is the duel between Aizawl FC’s Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia and Gokulam Kerala FC’s Alex Sanchez. Both forwards have been exceptional this season, each netting nine goals in the league and sharing the top-scorer spot. This head-to-head competition adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match, as both players will be keen to outperform each other and tip the scales in favour of their respective teams.
Apart from these encounters which promise to be thrilling, Inter Kashi will face Delhi FC while NEROCA FC will face Rajasthan United FC on Friday, December 15. The teams will be aiming their best to climb up the rankings.
Namdhari FC and TRAU FC who occupy the bottom two spots respectively will hope to better each other in the battle to beat the drop.
