Indian Football wrap, March 23: Churchill Brothers’ I-League title chances hampered after draw

I-League 2024-25

Late penalty denies title-chasing Churchill Brothers victory

Churchill Brothers’ march towards the 2024–25 I-League title hit a bit of a roadblock as it was held to a 1-1 draw by Sreenidi Deccan FC at the Raia Ground on Sunday.

Despite leading for the majority of the match through a first-half goal from Pape Gassama, the Goan side was denied all three points when David Castaneda Munoz converted a last-gasp penalty in stoppage time for the visitor.

ALSO READ | Crystal John in limelight again: Churchill Brothers’ president calls out referee after I-league match against Sreenidi Deccan

The draw will sting Churchill Brothers, which was on the cusp of consolidating its position at the summit. With 40 points from 20 matches (12 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses), it remains top of the table, but the draw has now left the door ajar for Inter Kashi, Real Kashmir, and Gokulam Kerala to close the gap in the title race.

Rajasthan United rises to fifth place after victory over Namdhari

Two first half goals helped Rajasthan United FC beat Namdhari FC 2-1 at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium, on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The hosts led 2-0 at the break.

Seiminmang Manchong (41’) opened the scoring for Rajasthan United, before Alain Oyarzun (45+4’) doubled the lead in the first-half injury time.

Rajasthan United are fifth in the I-League 2024-25 table, with 30 points from 20 matches, while Namdhari are on seventh with 26 points from as many matches.