By Sayantan Maitra
 

I-LEAGUE Media Team

NEW DELHI: Kolkata giants McDowell’s Mohun Bagan still lead the Hero I-League points table following the end of Gameweek 12. Their win against Dempo SC in the return leg in Kolkata took them back to the top, only a night after Bengaluru FC climbed atop following a victory against Salgaocar FC in Goa.

Dhanachandra Singh and Balwant Singh struck a goal each on both halves of the game to seal a 2-0 victory against Dempo, who have brought in the experienced gaffer Trevor James Morgan only a few days ago. The Goan Club parted ways with Arthur Papas a fortnight ago, following their loss against Bagan; and three weeks later, the new Coach could not really turn the result in their favour in the return leg.

Bengaluru FC got the better of Salgaocar with a 1-0 result at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa in the weekend. The solitary goal for BFC came from their mercurial striker Robin Singh. The result gave them vital three points, and following the gameweek, Ashley Westwood’s men are ranked second in the league, with 17 points procured from ten games.

The most-advertised match of the week was the Maharashtra Derby, and the expectations did not dampen any bit, following the game. Although the result after 90 mins of play was a 1-1 draw, the opening strike of the game in the 3rd minute by Taisuke Matsugae was the talking point of the game.

The Japanese utility player took a freekick from 50 yards out, and the aerial ball found PFC custodian Arup Debnath out of line. The ball kept travelling and it finally crossed the goalline and landed directly into the net with unstoppable force. The goal was not only cheered by opponent Coach Karim Bencherifa but the home fans were also stunned in disbelief.

Raju Yumnam got the equaliser in the second half of the game for PFC, and the score remained the same until the end of the game.

Although the Goan teams tasted bitter luck in this Round’s matches, Sporting Clube de Goa managed to come out of a 2-2 draw against heavyweights Kingfisher East Bengal at their home in Kolkata. Ranti Martins continued his terrific form in the Hero I-League, as he scored both the goals for the Red and Golds in the first half.

Odafa’s signing for Sporting Goa made the headlines, but it was Trinidad&Tobago World Cupper Anthony Wolfe who had the final laugh as he scored twice in the second half to cancel out both of Ranti’s goals.

Sporting Goa, however, are yet to win a game so far this season.

Shillong dark horses Royal Wahingdoh FC managed to get a 1-1 draw again debutantes Bharat FC at the JLN Stadium, Shillong. Jackichand Singh, fresh from his debut for the Senior India side, converted the first goal of the game for the home side. However, Bharat FC debutante Omar Jarun scored the equaliser and his first goal of the tournament late in the second half.

The one point kept Santosh Kashyap’s side in the fourth place, while Bharat FC stayed put in the eighth place.

As many as six Red Cards were shown out of five matches in this Round, with the likes of Carlos Hernandez, Bobby Hassell, Sampath Kutty Mani, and so on receiving the expulsion orders each.

Top 3 Teams (in order of Ranking):

McDowell Mohun Bagan – 18 points

Bengaluru FC – 17 points
 

Pune FC – 16 points

Top Goalscorer:

Ranti Martins (KEB) – 12 goals from 8 games