Mohammedan Sporting Clinches Victory, Tops I-League Table at Midseason

Mohammedan Sporting concluded the first half of the I-League 2023-24 season with a resounding 2-1 victory over NEROCA FC at the Naihati Stadium on Sunday, solidifying their position at the top of the table. The Black and White Brigade head into the winter break with a comfortable seven-point lead over Sreenidi Deccan FC, their closest rivals.

In a bid to narrow the gap, Real Kashmir faced Delhi FC earlier in the day but suffered a 0-1 defeat, ensuring that Sreenidi remains in the second spot on the I-League table. David Hmar and Remsanga contributed one goal each in a commanding first-half display by Mohammedan Sporting, while NEROCA defender David Simbo pulled one back after the restart.

Under the guidance of coach Andrey Chernyshov, Mohammedan Sporting, the hot favorites, lived up to expectations, maintaining control over their opponents throughout the match. The breakthrough came early as Bikash Singh surged down the left, delivering a low cross into the six-yard box, deftly deflected in by Hmar.

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Undeterred by the lead, Mohammedan Sporting continued their relentless pressure, and their persistence paid off when NEROCA defender Surajit Seal inadvertently headed a cross into the path of Remsanga. With a well-timed touch, Remsanga wrong-footed the keeper, extending the lead to 2-0 at the half-hour mark.

While the hosts appeared comfortable, NEROCA showcased resilience after the break. Captain David Simbo’s accurate header from a set-piece breathed life back into the Imphal side, narrowing the deficit.

Mohammedan Sporting, eager to secure the win, maintained their offensive onslaught on the NEROCA defense, amassing 11 shots on target. However, wastefulness in front of the goal allowed NEROCA to stay in contention, with the visiting team scoring from their only shot on target.

With this victory, Mohammedan Sporting concludes the first 11 matches of the 2023-24 I-League season with an impressive record of eight wins, three draws, and no losses.