I-League 2024-25 wrap: First win for SC Bengaluru, Gokulam Kerala beaten at home

Both Dempo SC and Gokulam Kerala suffered their first defeats on Saturday in the I-League 2024-25, with SC Bengaluru and Churchill Brothers bagging the wins.

Here’s what happened in the I-League 2024-25 on December 7:

SC Bengaluru stops Dempo’s upward march

Newbies SC Bengaluru defeated Dempo Sports Club 3-1 to secure its first-ever win in the I-League 2024-25 at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

For the host, Krishananda Singh scored early with a strike in the first minute before Salam Johnson Singh (86th minute) and Jordan Lamela (90+5) sealed the victory during the closing stage. Saiesh Bagkar netted for Dempo SC in the 43rd minute.

Dempo came into the match on the back of an unblemished record with three clean sheets and was yet to taste defeat with two wins and a draw. However, SC Bengaluru shattered Dempo’s defensive solidity early on.

The win meant SC Bengaluru is now ninth in the league table with three points from four games. Dempo remained in the third spot with seven points from four matches.

Churchill Brothers end long wait for win over Gokulam Kerala

Churchill Brothers had waited nearly four years for a victory over Gokulam Kerala in the I-League. And that 1372-day wait ended at the EMS Corporation Stadium here on Saturday as Goans defeated Gokulam 1-0 with Stendly Fernandes scoring an early match-winner. That saw Churchill jump from seventh to third in the table.

Fresh from its away victory over SC Bengaluru which came three days ago, Churchill appeared confident, and composed and dominated the match from the start. The Goans appeared a well-knit side and frequently advanced through the right flank and fired in long rangers. One such fiery shot from the corner of the box from midfielder Stendly, who moved in through the right, foxed the defenders and found the right corner, gave Churchill the lead.

While Gokulam’s defence appeared shaky, Churchill’s backline stood strong bringing in more men whenever needed. And Lalremruata thwarted many a Gokulam attack and frequently frustrated the home forward Martin Chaves. Chaves produced a side-volley around the half-hour mark but it went over. And around the hour mark, Gokulam’s Ignacio Labelelo sent one narrowly wide.

Juan Mera came close to adding to Churchill’s tally with a powerful attempt from outside the box around the 80th minute but goalkeeper Shibin Raj denied him with an impressive save.

The home side came up with a few attempts towards the end but could not convert