I-League 2023-24: Sreenidi Deccan edged past Delhi FC, goes second in the running

A second half own goal by Gagandeep Bali helps the Deccan Warriors go second in the points table having played 10 matches in the I-League 2023-24.

Sreenidi Deccan beats DelhI fc in the I League | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

Sreenidi Deccan Football Club edged past Delhi Football Club 1-0 in a Matchweek 10 I-League clash here at the Deccan Arena stadium on Monday thanks to a second half own goal by Gagandeep Bali.

The victory keeps the Deccan Warriors in second place in the points table having played 10 matches.

Head Coach Carlos Vaz Pinto handed a first start of the season to defender Sajid Dhot and brought David Castaneda and Lalromawia back into the line-up. But it was Delhi FC who started the brighter of the two sides, putting pressure on the Sreenidi Deccan FC defence with a high press.

The visitor almost forced an own goal from this pressure as a seemingly harmless backpass went under goalkeeper Albino Gomes’ feet but the post saved the host. An injury to midfielder Mayakkannan meant the Deccan Warriors was forced into an early change, bringing in Arun Kumar.

Sreenidi Deccan started the second half with more control and got its reward in the 64th minute when winger Rilwan Hassan cut in from the left and shot at goal. Defender Gagandeep tried to block the shot but ended up heading it past his own goalkeeper to break the deadlock. From that point on, Delhi FC went on the attack and Sreenidi Deccan tried to finish it on the break. Albino came to Sreenidi Deccan’s rescue in the 86th minute as he dived low to his left to keep out a long range effort from Delhi FC attacker Aroldinho.

Delhi continued to press for an equaliser but Sreenidi Deccan held on for the win. The Deccan Warriors will face Gokulam Kerala on December 19 at the Deccan Arena in its last I-League game of the calendar year.