I-League 2023-24: NEROCA Holds Sreenidi Deccan, Keeps Mohammedan a Point Away from Title

Shillong (Meghalaya), April 4 (IANS) Sreenidi Deccan FC’s hopes of clinching the title took a hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw by NEROCA FC. Despite being down to 10 men, NEROCA managed to take the lead in the second half and held on for a crucial point. Sreenidi Deccan now face an uphill battle in the title race, trailing Mohammedan Sporting by five points with just two games remaining.

In a tightly contested match, both teams had their chances in the first half, with Sreenidi hitting the woodwork and William de Oliviera missing a golden opportunity. NEROCA, despite being on the back foot, created openings of their own to keep the game level at the break.

The second half saw NEROCA defending resolutely with a man down, while Sreenidi struggled to break them down. A penalty in the 70th minute gave NEROCA the lead, but Sreenidi fought back to equalize through a penalty of their own.

As the game entered its final stages, Sreenidi pushed for a winner but were denied by some last-ditch defending from NEROCA. With the draw, Sreenidi’s title hopes have taken a massive blow, while NEROCA would be pleased with a hard-earned point.

The result leaves Sreenidi in a precarious position in the title race, as they now have to rely on other results going their way. Mohammedan Sporting are on the brink of being crowned champions, needing just a point from their remaining two games. Sreenidi, on the other hand, face an uphill task of winning their matches and hoping for a miracle to clinch the I-League title.