With the title already decided the attention moves to the lower half where the battle for relegation gathers momentum. The game week started with shocking news coming from Mumbai that Mahindra United would cease to exist in Indian football starting next season. It is not often that you hear a team standing second in the domestic league decides to wind up.
Shillong Lajong FC vs. Chirag United: Lajong are one of the teams striving to stay in the I-League. They faced Chirag who were in search of a victory from five matches. Daniel Bedemi capitalised on a loose back pass from a Chirag player and scored the goal just before half-time which gave the home side a crucial advantage. But it was heart break time for the home crowd as Edmilson broke Lajong hearts with a precise freekick in the last quarter. The match finished tied at one a piece.
Shillong Lajong FC 1: D. Bedemi 40
Chirag United 1: Edmilson 83
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Mahindra United vs. Pune FC: Mahindra needed a win to keep their title dim aspirations alive amidst the brewing story of their withdrawal from professional football in the media. Steven Dias tapped the ball into the empty net following a mix up between Rafi and Pune keeper Subrata Paul from a Svetomar Mijin cross. His goal came in the 38th minute. In the second-half Pune equalised through Izumi Arata after he slotted home from close range. Mahindra were eventually held and could not take their chances maybe because the players’ minds were stuck on the issues surrounding the club.
Mahindra United 1: S. Dias 38
Pune Fc 1: I. Arata 58
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Mohun Bagan vs. Dempo SC: While the game in Mumbai was drawing to an end, Dempo SC faced a hurdle in the face of Bagan at the Salt Lake. The league leaders fell behind early in the first-half through NS Manju’s fantastic volley from outside the box. Dempo looked really dull in the first-half. But immediately after the break Beto put Dempo on par. The Goans added the second third and fourth in quick succession completing the rout in no time. Abranches provided Ranti Martins for the second before scoring himself for the third and Beto headed home the fourth. With that win Dempo are on the brink of another I-League title.
Mohun Bagan 1: NS Manju 7
Dempo SC 4: Beto 47 64 R. Martins 54 J. Abranches 60
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Air India vs. JCT: An important fixture for Air India as they were seeking maximum number of points against JCT at home inorder to avoid relegation. But Emmanuel Okaro’s fine strike proved to be the difference between the Airmen and the Millmen.
Air India 0
JCT 1: E. Okoro 66
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East Bengal vs. Sporting Club de Goa: East Bengal yet again conceded early in the game. Joseph Pereira found the net from a corner for Sporting. Nabi however put the red and gold level with a goal just before the half-time after all the domination. The second-half was really a non event and the match ended in a draw.
East Bengal 1: S. Nabi 38
Sporting Club de Goa 1: J. Pereira 11
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Viva Kerala vs. Mumbai FC: Two more direct rivals faced each other in this relegation scrap. Mumbai FC was put in the lead by Evans Quao in the 27th minute from Charkraborty’s assist. Khalid Jamil’s side displayed a good defensive effort in the second-half and managed to hold on to their lead.
Viva Kerala 0
Mumbai FC 1: E. Quao 27
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Churchill Brothers vs. Salgaocar: The Goan derby had an added flavour as Salgaocar are battling for survival. But the travelling team conceded a penalty after Sabrosa handled the ball inside the box. Felix Chimaokwu duly converted from the spot. Churchill was awarded another penalty as Odafe was fouled in the area in the second-half. This time Odafe took the penalty and converted. Felix made it three minutes later to put the game to bed while Lamare scored a consolation for Slagaocar in the dying seconds of the game.
Churchill Brothers 3: F. Chimoakwu 30 56 Odafe 54
Salgaocar 1: L. Fernandes 90+1