I-League 2024-25 wrap: Sreenidi Deccan rides on Orelien double; Inter Kashi goes goalless for the first time

Sreenidi Deccan’s standout warrior was certainly Angel Orelien whose brace helped the side beat Rajasthan United. In the second fixture on Thursday, Inter Kashi’s goalscoring form was tamed by Shillong Lajong.

Here’s what happened in the I-League 2024-25 on December 5:

Angel Orelien proves guardian of Sreenidi supremacy

Angel Orelien emerged as the hero for Sreenidi Deccan FC by scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Rajasthan United in a 2024-25 I-League encounter at the Deccan Arena.

Orelien scored in the 21st and 86th minutes, while Seiminmang Manchong netted Rajasthan’s sole goal.

Both teams entered the game with similar records — a loss and a win — but it was Sreenidi Deccan who prevailed. The win also boosted its position to fourth in the standings with six points from three matches, while Rajasthan United is in eighth place with three points.

The breakthrough came in the 21st minute, initiated by Jagdeep Singh with a precise low cross from the left to Rosenberg Gabriel. Gabriel cleverly drew the defenders before setting up Orelien, who decisively finished to put Sreenidi Deccan ahead. A missed header from Rosenberg later on could have doubled its lead, but his effort soared over the crossbar.

The second half saw continued dominance from Sreenidi Deccan, highlighted in the 52nd minute when Faysal Shayesteh’s 23-yard free-kick was saved by Kithan. However, Rajasthan equalised five minutes later when Pauliankhum assisted Manchong for a superb strike.

The match’s defining moment came from Orelien, who scored directly from a corner kick in the 86th minute, catching the Rajasthan defence off-guard and sealing the victory for Sreenidi Deccan.

Shillong Lajong FC keeps Inter Kashi at bay on home turf

Shillong Lajong FC and Inter Kashi played out a goalless albeit entertaining draw to bring Round 3 of the I-League 2024-25 to a close at the SSA Stadium.

Inter Kashi’s perfect run of two wins in two came to a halt, but it maintained top spot in the standings with seven points thanks to its superior goal difference over Real Kashmir FC and Dempo SC. Shillong Lajong, meanwhile, is still winless with two points so far.

It was the visitors who ran the show throughout the first half. Edmund Lalrindika and Nikola Stojanović, in particular, were electric on both wings, with their deliveries gasping for one onrushing striker to intercept in the box.

Lajong’s Douglas Tardin came closest, poking a ball with his foot after a melee and botched clearance gifted him an opportunity in the six-yard box. Arindam Bhattacharya made a miraculous block.

In the second half, Inter Kashi controlled the game and constantly kept up the attack, as Shillong Lajong drew it out before pouncing on the counter.

The two sides exchanged half chances towards the business end of the match and as the clock ticked down, the game became more tempestuous, tackles flying in as freely as crosses.

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