In a thrilling encounter at the Kalyani Stadium on Sunday, February 18, 2024, Inter Kashi reclaimed their winning form after a two-match hiatus in the 2023-24 I-League. The match, which saw Inter Kashi face off against Namdhari FC, showcased a dominant performance by the former as they secured a convincing 4-1 victory. This triumph not only marked their return to form but also propelled them to the fifth position on the league table, with 22 points accumulated from 15 matches.
Table of Contents
Early Dominance by Inter Kashi
From the onset, Kashi asserted their dominance, swiftly taking control of the match with two early goals within the first 15 minutes. Edmund Lalrindika opened the scoring for Inter Kashi in the 3rd minute, setting the tone for the encounter. Deepak Devrani doubled their lead in the 15th minute, putting Namdhari FC on the back foot early in the game.
Halftime Lead and Second-Half Surge
Despite a spirited response from Namdhari, who managed to pull one back through Stephen Abeiku Acquah in the 36th minute, Inter Kashi maintained their composure and went into halftime with a 2-1 lead. The second half saw them build on their advantage as Mario Barco found the back of the net in the 52nd minute, extending their lead further. Tomba Singh Haobam sealed the victory for Kashi with a goal in the 80th minute, ensuring a comprehensive 4-1 win.
Impressive Points Tally and League Standings
With this impressive victory, Inter Kashi elevated their points tally to 22 from 15 matches, securing the fifth position in the highly competitive league table. Notably, Shillong Lajong, who also accumulated 22 points, trail behind Inter Kashi. However, Kashi holds the advantage over Shillong Lajong due to their victory in the only meeting between the two teams thus far. Despite this advantage, Shillong Lajong has played one match less than Kashi, adding an element of suspense to the league standings.
Struggles Continue for Namdhari FC
On the other hand, Namdhari continues to grapple with inconsistent form, as evidenced by their performance in the match against Kashi. Despite showing signs of improvement with a draw and a victory in their previous two matches, their fortunes took a downturn with a comprehensive defeat against Kashi. Currently positioned 11th in the 13-team competition, Namdhari FC faces an uphill battle to improve their standing in the league.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Inter Kashi’s emphatic victory against Namdhari not only marked their return to winning ways but also solidified their position in the upper echelons of the league table. With a blend of skill, determination, and strategic prowess, Kashi showcased their potential to be contenders for the coveted title. Meanwhile, Namdhari must regroup and address their inconsistencies to climb up the league ladder. As the season progresses, fans can expect more exhilarating encounters and intense competition in the 2023-24 I-League.
Inter Kashi Starting XI
Arindam (GK) (C), Passi, Mandi, Devrani, Beyong, Lamela, Gomez, Perez, Lalrindika, Gyamar, Barco
Namdhari Starting XI
Nishan (GK), Saurabh, Akashdeep, Harmanpreet, Sukhan, Akashi, Stephen, Amey, Sehnaj (C), Imanol, Garrido
