I-League Matchday 18
Indian Arrows vs Minerva Punjab
Indian Arrows faced Minerva Punjab at the Kalinga Stadium. The home side scraped past the visitors by earning a 2-1 victory. The only goal of the first half was scored by Rohit Danu (38′) for the Arrows. Just within two minutes into the second half, Rahim Ali (47′) doubled the home side’s lead. Minerva got one back through Moinuddin Khan (69′) but it was not enough to save the day.
Churchill Brothers vs Mohun Bagan
Churchill Brothers, who are just a few points adrift from the table toppers Chennai City, hosted Kolkata Giants Mohun Bagan, at the Tilak Maidan. The visitors went ahead through their striker Asier Dipanda Dicka (39′) just a few minutes away from the end of first half. Churchill struggled to find an equalizer in the second half but we’re rewarded a penalty during the later stages. Anthony Wolfe (78′[P]) made no mistake from the spot. The final score remained 1-1.
NEROCA FC vs Chennai City
NEROCA FC locked horns against the potential champions of this season, Chennai City. The match took place at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. The match turned out to be a tale of epic comeback as the home side came back from a three goal deficit to draw the match 3-3. Chennai scored three first half goals, thanks to a mind boggling hat-trick from their star man Pedro Manzi (35′, 42′, 45+1′). Everyone would have thought by then that the fate of this match was decided. However, NEROCA came into the second half of the match with an elevated fighting spirit. Felix Chidi Odili (52′), Chencho Gyeltshen (68′) and Aryn Williams (87′) helped the home side register a historic comeback that would be remembered for a long time.
East Bengal vs Shillong Lajong
East Bengal welcomed Shillong Lajong at their home turf, Yuba Bharati Stadium. It was a purely one sided match as the Red and Gold Brigade thumped 5 goals past the visitors, who are lying at the bottom of this season’s standings. A wonderful hat-trick from Laldanmawia Ralte (8′, 27′, 61′) and goals from Jobby Justin and Enrique Esqueda (45′) saw Bengal earn a crucial victory.