Apart from the goalless draw between Namdhari and Churchill Brothers in the last game, the rest of the sides scored at least one in their first matches of the season with 15 goals scored overall. That is how the I-League 2023/24 kicked off with Real Kashmir, Sreenidi Deccan and Mohammedan SC the only side securing victories in the opening round. The rest will be eager to claim their first win of the season this match week.
Thursday, 2 November 2023
Delhi FC vs Rajasthan United - Namdhari Stadium, Bhaini Sahib (14:00)
Securing the first point in their first-ever I-league match after a 1-1 draw with TRAU, promoted side Delhi FC looks to maintain the start when they welcome Rajasthan United at Namdhari Stadium. The venue they are sharing this season with new corporate entry Namdhari FC in Punjab. To earn the point, Delhi FC have to come from behind with I-League veteran striker Balwant Singh’s historical goal for the side cancelling Liton Shil’s opener on the half-hour mark. They will want to keep things easy against the Desert Warriors who will play their second consecutive game away. Rajasthan United lost 2-0 in their trip to Real Kashmir, both strikes coming in the second half of the match. Disappointed with the start, Pushpender Kundu’s team will fancy their chances against a promoted side although the opposition’s fighting spirit is something to think about.
Friday, 3 November 2023
Sreenidi Deccan vs Inter Kashi - Deccan Arena, Hyderabad (16:30)
Sreenidi Deccan had a clean sweep of Neroca FC as they smacked four unanswered goals past the Imphal-based team. Star striker David Castaneda scored an emphatic brace with Lalromawia and Lalbiakliana scoring the other. A statement victory to open the new season shows the Hyderabad club’s intent to replace their disappointment of not making it to the ISL last time. They will now take on Inter Kashi in a huge clash in the second game. One of the two new corporate entries in the league and the first professional club from Uttar Pradesh, Inter Kashi's historical game in the league ended in a 2-2 thrilling draw against two-time winners Gokulam Kerala. A huge result considering it was their first competitive game since their formation with an opposition of this magnitude. Facing the runners-up of last season, Carlos Santamarina’s team will hope to defy the odds again to pick up the victory this time.
Mohammedan SC vs Shillong Lajong - Naihati Stadium, Naihati (19:00)
CFL winners Mohammedan Sporting also started the I-League campaign on a winning note. Samuel Lalmuanpuia’s screamer and Alexis Gómez strike on either side of Lalrinfela’s equalizer ensured a 2-1 victory over Aizawl FC. The Black Panthers could have increased their goal count having dominated the entire game but Vanlal Hriatpuia's strong arms denied them repeatedly. Staying in Naihati, Chernyshov’s side will entertain another side from the North East in Shillong Lajong. Once a regular name, the Meghalaya-based club has returned to the I-League after three years by earning promotion from I-League 2 last season. Lajong will aim to avoid relegation with a tough start to the season against Mohammedan Sporting who will be beaming with confidence to take full points from their second game of the season as well.
Saturday, 4 November 2023
Real Kashmir vs TRAU - TRC Turf Ground, Srinagar (15:00)
Real Kashmir will also be confident of picking up back-to-back home wins after picking up a 2-0 victory over Rajasthan United in the opener. The goals were scored by two center-halves Wayne Vaz and substitute Shaher Shaheen in the second half to the delight of the home support. The Snow Leopards eye the top of the table in this early exchanges as they take on TRAU who played a 1-1 draw against promoted Delhi FC in their first game of the season. Not able to take full points even after taking the lead around the hour-mark, the Manipur-based team will hope to do the job done this time in another game on the travel.
Sunday, 5 November 2023
Gokulam Kerala vs Neroca FC - EMS Stadium, Kozhikode (19:00)
Conceding a late equalizer from new club Inter Kashi of an end-to-end game that ended 2-2, Gokulam Kerala will be slightly disappointed of not getting more from the clash. The Malabarians took the lead twice in the match but had to surrender to the fighting spirit of the team from Uttar Pradesh. Both sides created chances but Gokulam could have easily won the encounter if theirs were taken which was frustrating. Nevertheless, the two-time I-League winners will seek their first victory in the second game of the season against Neroca already beaten heavily by Sreenidi in the opener.
Also Check | I-League 2023/24 Squad List of All Teams
