I-League Matchday 16

Mohun Bagan vs Gokulam FC

Mohun Bagan, who are having a lackluster season, hosted Gokulam FC at the Yuba Bharati Stadium. It turned out to be a goals galore as the final scoreline was 2-2. Shilton D’Silva (18′) opened proceedings for the Mariners which was cancelled out within minutes by virtue of an own goal conceded by Bagan defender Lalchawnkima (21′). Gokulam went on to score their second right after 3 minutes through Marcus Joseph (24′). After the first half ended with the visitors leading 2-1, Asier Dipanda Dicka (60′) equalized for Bagan. The match ended with both teams failing to clinch a winner.

Churchill Brothers vs Real Kashmir

Second-placed Churchill Brothers were up against a  sturdy Real Kashmir, who are breathing on the home side’s shoulder in the points table. The match, that was held at the Tilak Maidan ended in a 1-1 draw. Willis Plaza (69′) was on the scoresheet for Churchill and his equalizer came after Farhan Ganie (55′) gave Real Kashmir the lead at the early stages of the second-half.

Indian Arrows vs NEROCA

The match between Indian Arrows and NEROCA took place at the Kalinga Stadium. Boris Singh Thangjam (34′) opened scoring for the home side and within minutes Felix Chidi Odili (38′) equalized for NEROCA. The first-half remained 1-1. In the second, Rohit Dhanu (62′) scored the second for Arrows. Katsumi Yusa (68′) equalized for NEROCA in very short time. Right at the dying embers of the match, the visitors were awarded a penalty and the Japanese Midfielder completed his brace to snatch a last moment victory. The match ended 3-2 in favour of NEROCA.

Minerva Punjab vs Aizawl FC

Minerva Punjab welcomed Aizawl FC at their home turf Tau Devi Lal Stadium. The match ended 1-0 in favour of the visitors with the solitary goal scored by Lalrinchhana (69′).

East Bengal vs Shillong Lajong

East Bengal, who are strong contenders for winning this season’s league, absolutely demolished Shillong Lajong. The home side won the match by 5-0. An excellent hat-trick from Laldanmawia Ralte (8′, 27′, 61′) and a goal each from Jobby Justin (28′) and Enrique Esqueda (45′) gave the Kolkata Giants three crucial points which takes them to  32 points from 16 matches, just two behind table toppers Chennai City.