Below are the I-League match results on December 14, 2024.
Shillong Lajong and Gokulam Kerala share points in draw
The 2024-25 I-League match between hosts Shillong Lajong FC and Gokulam Kerala FC at the SSA Stadium on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Midfield A goalless draw.
The draw was watched by 3,665 spectators in the stands and was Shillong Rajon’s third consecutive clean sheet. The point moves them up to fifth place with six points from five games. For Gokulam, it was their third draw in four games. The Malabarians also sit in sixth place with six points, trailing only Lajon on goal difference.
Nonetheless, it was a game that opened up the game for both sides, especially in the second half, where despite desperate attempts it was difficult to score. Both sides fired several shots into the other’s goal; while some shots did go off target, both sides had a few near misses throughout the 90 minutes of play. This kept both goalkeepers quite busy, but ultimately they emerged unscathed.
The home side had scored eight goals on the same turf in their previous game against Rajasthan United but found their scoring prowess completely drained against Gokulam’s cautious defence. Lajong’s foreign recruits, Brazilian Daniel Gonçalves and Spaniard Imanol Arana, were active as usual, but were not given space to conduct exercises.
While the Bruins are eager for a second consecutive win at home, it’s the visitors who are equally eager to turn things around. Two-time champions Gokulam are not experiencing the best of times in the ongoing league. After a win over hosts Srenidi in their opener, the Malabarians did not fare well and even at home to Churchill Brothers they looked vulnerable.
Gokulam might have been better if attack count was concerned, but the inability to get them into the frame cost them. Even in stoppage time, Adama Niane, whom Kerala brought in from Mali, was brilliant on the counterattack but knocked the ball away when he was left with only the goalkeeper.
Inter Kashi fail to stop Churchill brothers from winning streak in Kalyani clash
Churchill Brothers of Goa caused quite a stir at the Kalyani Stadium on Saturday, December 14, 2024 as they defeated the home team and the mighty FC 3-1 in the fifth round of I-League 2024-25. Contenders International Kashgar. This was Inter Milan’s first defeat of the season and the Churchill Brothers’ third consecutive victory.
Churchill led 2-0 at halftime with goals from South African forward Wade Lakay (18′) and Senegalese midfielder Papou Gassama (39′, penalty), which sent shockwaves to the Inter Milan defense. And scored another goal in the 69th minute. th Minutes via Lamgoulen Hangshing.
In the meantime, Inter Kashi got a goal back in the 50th through international Sumeet Passi th minutes, but that was all they could do against Churchill’s inspired defence.
Churchill’s victory changed the table as Goa moved to the top of the table with 10 points from five games. Goa’s other team, newly promoted Dembo Sports Club, also have 10 points from five games, but they trail Churchill on goal difference. The defeat relegated Inter to third place with eight points from five games.
On paper at least, Churchill would be expected to err on the side of caution in away games against stronger opponents. But on the contrary, Churchill began to be aggressive, tormenting Inter Milan’s defense again and again. Lakai scored the first goal with a through ball that left defenders Passi and Sathak Guruj breathless and beat goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya with a perfect shot.
An infringement in the penalty area by Inter Milan defender Narayan Das further strengthened Churchill’s efforts and Gassama converted the penalty powerfully and clearly.
As expected, Inter Milan called in the second period. They broke through Churchill’s defense in the most threatening way and narrowed the score gap. Passi made no mistakes on the rebound.
But in the end it was Hangxing who took away the victory from the home team. He launched a combined attack from the left, rushed in from the right, and scored with an unguarded shot. A panicked Inter Kashgar tried to mount a comeback but all their plans were foiled by their opponents’ defenders.
