Mohammedan SC wins its first I-League championship against Shillong Lajong and joins Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal in the ISL.
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, at SSA Stadium, Mohammedan Sporting’s arduous quest for its first I-League championship came to an end when it defeated Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in the away game.
Thus, provided they fulfill the licensing requirements, the Black and White Brigade has been promoted to the Indian Super League.
With two games remaining, Kolkata’s team leads its closest rival, Sreenidi Deccan FC, by eight points with an unbeatable 52 points from 23 games.
The champion’s goal came from Alexis Nahuel Gomez in the first minute, while the home team’s goal came from Douglas Rosa Tardin in the fifteenth. To win the championship, Mohammedan’s Evgeni Kozlov scored the game’s winning goal in the second half.
The formula was easy to understand. For Mohammedan Sporting to win its first I-League championship, they needed one point. But it was never going to be a walk in the park.
Despite some ups and downs this season, Shillong Lajong is firmly established as a mid-table team, sitting seventh in the I-League standings after 23 games and 31 points. Its extra incentive, however, to take advantage of the top dogs was clearly visible.
For its part, Mohammedan Sporting, at least in the early exchanges, did the thing that would have eased its nerves. In the very first minute of play, the team’s Argentine forward, Alexis Gomez, created a moment of magic when he saw Lajong keeper Neitho Chalieu off his line. Chopping the ball goalward from just inside the halfway mark, it flew over the goalkeeper’s head and nestled into the net.
The task appeared to be partially completed, but a lot could occur in ninety minutes, and based on the events that transpired during the remaining portion of the first half, it was evident that the Black and White Brigade would require more than one goal to win.
following their I-League victory. Image courtesy of AIFF
On Saturday, April 6, 2024, at SSA Stadium, Mohammedan Sporting’s arduous quest for its first I-League championship came to an end when it defeated Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 in the away game.
Thus, provided they fulfill the licensing requirements, the Black and White Brigade has been promoted to the Indian Super League.
With two games remaining, Kolkata’s team leads its closest rival, Sreenidi Deccan FC, by eight points with an unbeatable 52 points from 23 games.
The champion’s goal came from Alexis Nahuel Gomez in the first minute, while the home team’s goal came from Douglas Rosa Tardin in the fifteenth. To win the championship, Mohammedan’s Evgeni Kozlov scored the game’s winning goal in the second half.
The formula was easy to understand. For Mohammedan Sporting to win its first I-League championship, they needed one point. But it was never going to be a walk in the park.
Despite some ups and downs this season, Shillong Lajong is firmly established as a mid-table team, sitting seventh in the I-League standings after 23 games and 31 points. Its extra incentive, however, to take advantage of the top dogs was clearly visible.
For its part, Mohammedan Sporting, at least in the early exchanges, did the thing that would have eased its nerves. In the very first minute of play, the team’s Argentine forward, Alexis Gomez, created a moment of magic when he saw Lajong keeper Neitho Chalieu off his line. Chopping the ball goalward from just inside the halfway mark, it flew over the goalkeeper’s head and nestled into the net.
The task appeared to be partially completed, but a lot could occur in ninety minutes, and based on the events that transpired during the remaining portion of the first half, it was evident that the Black and White Brigade would require more than one goal to win.
It took Shillong just fifteen minutes to regain control of the match, with a penalty kick from Douglas Tardin making the score even. It would still be enough for Mohammedan.
But when Lajong put the pressure on the table-toppers in the first half, their back four had their work cut out for them. Tardin struck the woodwork, as did Phrangki Buam, a former player for Mohammedan Sporting.
Another setback for Mohammedan Sporting came when goal scorer Gomez was forced to leave the game due to an injury, and Kozlov took his place.
Lajong immediately returned When Tardin played a ball across the goal’s face, Ronney Wilson Kharbudon had an ideal chance to put his team ahead. He just needed to tap it into an empty net. He side-footed it inches wide, causing the Mohammedan camp to heave a collective breath of relief.
Just before the half, Mohammedan Sporting’s goalkeeper Padam Chettri, who has had an incredible season, made a fantastic save to keep the score tied. He palmed away a shot from Marcos Rudwere that was right on target.
In the second half, the home team continued at the same pace, but the table topper handled the situation expertly. It hung back, waiting for the opportunity that would come along very soon.
After entering the game as a first-half substitute, Kozlov grabbed a clearance and found himself inside the box, where he beat the goalkeeper. At last, some breathing room for the Brigade in black and white.
In injury time, the Mohammedan Sporting defenders gave it their all, demonstrating teamwork among themselves. When Lajong’s Kynsaibor Lhud pulled the trigger, Joseph Adjei showed some brilliant anticipation to position himself beside keeper Chettri. Adjei easily eliminated the effort, ensuring Mohammedan’s 15th victory of the year.
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