I-League 2023-24: Delhi beats NEROCA FC 2-1; Aizawl and Rajasthan United share points

Delhi’s Uzbek forward Shokhrukhbek Muratov and midfielder Rahul Rawat scored two goals early in the first half, to put their side in a comfortable position in the game.

Delhi FC climbed two spots to sixth in the table, while NEROCA remained in the relegation zone, with seven points from 14 matches so far. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

Delhi FC scored its first away win of the year and seventh overall in the I-League 2023-24 campaign, defeating NEROCA FC 2-1 at the SSA Stadium, in Shillong, on Friday.

Delhi’s Uzbek forward Shokhrukhbek Muratov and midfielder Rahul Rawat scored two goals early in the first half, to put their side in a comfortable position in the game.

While NEROCA’s Ivorian midfielder Adama Coulibaly pulled one back around the hour mark, the side from the capital held on to clinch maximum points.

Delhi, which is seemingly fighting to maintain as much gap as possible between themselves and the relegation zone, was dealt a blow less than an hour before kick-off, when their Tajik defender Alisher Kholmurodov sustained an injury, and had to be replaced by Gaurav Rawat.

However, that change did not deter the visiting side, which now moved up to seventh in the standings, with 22 points.

While Inter Kashi and Shillong Lajong are also on the same number of points as Delhi, the former two are ahead on head-to-head record, with Shillong having played a game less.

Aizawl and Rajasthan United share points after goalless draw

Aizawl FC’s winless run extended to six games as it was held to a 0-0 draw by Rajasthan United FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Friday, February 23, 2024.

Both sides headed into the match on the back of heavy losses – Aizawl was drubbed 1-5 at home by Sreenidi Deccan, while Rajasthan United conceded four against Gokulam Kerala last Friday. As such, both sides will be a bit happy with the clean sheet.

Aizawl and Rajasthan United in action in the I-League match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Friday. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

Rajasthan United remained in ninth place with 16 points, nine ahead of the relegation zone. Aizawl, which is yet to win a game since December, has slipped to eighth place following its recent struggles and has 21 points in 15 games.

The Reds will hope to get that elusive win when they take on Real Kashmir in their next game on February 28. Rajasthan United will make the trip to Shillong to face Shillong Lajong on the same day.