I-League 2024-25: Sreenidi Deccan FC end leaders Namdhari’s winning run, with a 1-1 draw

Namdhari remained at the top of the table with 21 points from 11 games, and Sreenidi Deccan, who have now drawn three of their last four, continue to stay in eighth place with 12 points

Hyderabad: Sreenidi Deccan held league leaders Namdhari FC to a 1-1 draw, ending their four-match winning streak in the I-League 2024-25 clash at Namdhari Stadium, Punjab, on Tuesday.

Both goals came in the first half from two Brazilian strikers taking centre stage. Cledson Carvalho da Silva (33rd minute) scored his seventh I-League goal for Namdhari before William Alves (45th) equalised at the stroke of half-time for Sreenidi Deccan.

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Namdhari remained at the top of the table with 21 points from 11 games, but Churchill Brothers can overtake them should they beat Real Kashmir on Thursday. Sreenidi Deccan, who have now drawn three of their last four, continue to stay in eighth place with 12 points.

Namdhari’s Francis Addo and Peter Seiminthang Haokip shot wide from 25 yards, while Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung swerved a half-volley off target from just outside the box. It took a defensive lapse by Sreenidi Deccan for the hosts to score the opener.

Eli Sabia made an error at the back, what should have been a routine back, allowed Cledson Carvalho to break free on goal. The striker made no mistake, slotting the ball past Aryan Lamba to give the hosts the lead.

Alves cancelled out the goal with a well-taken header. The Sreenidi striker got on the end of a cross from the top of the box by Ángel Orelien, who got his fifth assist of the season.

Namdhari goalkeeper Jaspreet had rushed out to punch the cross, but William did well to get to it ahead of him and glance it into the net.

Six minutes into the second half, Lamba pulled off a brilliant save to prevent Namdhari from regaining the lead. Addo’s looping delivery found Peter inside the box. The latter skipped past his marker and pulled the trigger from close range but Lamba palmed it out.

The second-half turned into a more cagey affair with less goalmouth action and rough midfield battles with lots of fouls and stoppages. Namdhari’s Addo, Cledson and Sreenidi’s Lalromawia were shown yellow cards. The teams did grow desperate for a winner towards the end and Orelien and Dharmpreet Singh saw their shots from outside the box drift wide of the target.