I-League 2024–25: Sreenidi Deccan Heroically Shatters Namdhari FC’s Streak, Asif Inspires SC Bengaluru’s Stunning Comeback

The I-League 2024–25 continues to deliver exhilarating football action as teams battle for supremacy. One of the standout matches recently saw league leaders Namdhari FC’s impressive four-match winning streak come to a halt after a 1-1 draw with Sreenidi Deccan FC. Meanwhile, SC Bengaluru eventually broke their losing skid with a crucial 1-0 victory over Sreenidi Deccan, driven by a fantastic effort by midfielder Asif OM. Let’s examine the main points and lessons learnt from these games.
Namdhari FC vs. Sreenidi Deccan: A Clash of Determination
In their eleventh game of the season, Namdhari FC played Sreenidi Deccan at Namdhari Stadium on January 28, 2025. Both teams displayed skill and determination, and the match lived up to expectations. A flurry of activity started the match when Cledson Carvalho da Silva, a Brazilian striker for Namdhari, broke the tie in the 33rd minute with his seventh goal of the year. He demonstrated why he is still a vital member of the league leaders by taking advantage of a defensive blunder by Eli Sabia of Sreenidi.
Sreenidi Deccan, however, reacted quickly. With Ángel Orelien’s help, their Brazilian attacker William Alves equalised just before halftime with a precisely placed header. Alves’ skill in the air and Orelien’s ability to create plays were both evident in the goal, which was his fifth assist of the year. In the second half, both sides put up a strong fight, but Namdhari was held at bay by Sreenidi custodian Aryan Lamba’s incredible saves. With 21 points from 11 games, Namdhari is still leading the standings despite the tie, while Sreenidi is now in seventh position with 12 points.

SC Bengaluru Ends Winless Streak
On January 24, 2025, SC Bengaluru defeated Sreenidi Deccan 1-0 at the Bangalore Football Stadium in another crucial match, thereby ending their 48-day losing run. With his lone goal in the 34th minute, midfielder Asif OM was the game’s hero. Asif scored the goal with a right-footed strike from outside the box after Ugandan forward Henry Kisekka gave him a perfectly weighted pass. It was a masterclass in timing and accuracy.
SC Bengaluru, who had been fighting at the bottom of the ladder, finally felt some comfort after this victory. Aizawl FC dropped to last place with the three points, moving them up to eleventh place with eight points from nine games. Bengaluru exploited holes in Sreenidi’s defence throughout the game, demonstrating their increased offensive coordination and sense of urgency. Although Sreenidi’s custodian Aryan Lamba kept the score close, it wasn’t enough to protect them from losing.
Impact on the League Standings
Namdhari FC’s progress has been somewhat hampered by the draw with Sreenidi Deccan, which might allow Churchill Brothers to pass them. If Churchill Brothers defeat Real Kashmir, they will have a game in hand and can overtake Namdhari. Sreenidi, meantime, has been stagnant in the mid-table struggle due to their inconsistent play, which has resulted in three draws in their previous four games.
The triumph of SC Bengaluru, however, may mark a sea change in their campaign. With their newfound self-assurance and tactical changes, the squad may be able to move up the standings and stay out of relegation.
Looking Ahead
The competition is getting more fierce as the 18th season of the I-League goes on. Sreenidi Deccan has to establish consistency in order to move into the top half of the table, while Namdhari FC needs to strengthen their defence and hold onto their advantage at the top. As they want to capitalise on their recent success, SC Bengaluru’s comeback brings even more drama to the competition.
With live streaming accessible via the SSEN app, fans can still watch every moment of the action live on Sony Sports Network channels. The I-League 2024–25 is expected to keep football fans on the edge of their seats with more exciting games to come. Follow us for more further updates.