By I-League Media
NEW DELHI: Hero I-League 2015-16 game week four came out with loads of actions and surprises and much shuffling happened in the league table. As champions Mohun Bagan were slated to play against Tampines Rovers in AFC Champions League qualifiers, they didn’t feature in Hero I-League game week four.
The first match of game week four garnered more eyeballs as it was the first match in Hero I-League history which was streamed live across the globe. Apart from the Mizo spectators, billions of football fans witnessed the enticing match between Aizawl FC and Sporting Clube de Goa. Aizawl FC failed to maintain their momentum and Flaming Oranje striker Nicholas Fernandes struck in the very first minute. Loveday Okechukwu doubled their lead and sealed Sporting’s first win this season while he cannoned from 40 yards. Aizawl FC goalie, Poirei, had no answer to the screamer. Having come from their maiden win in Hero I-League 2015-16, Aizawl FC had to bite the dust against Mateus Costa’s boys.
DSK Shivajians, the debutants from Pune, travelled to Kolkata to take on Red & Golds. Kingfisher East Bengal showed their urgency from the kick-off and Bikash Jairu continued his imperious form for the Kolkata outfit. Albeit Spiderman Subrata Paul kept Ranti Martins at bay for a good time, finally the Nigerian striker broke the deadlock while he tapped it home from a rebound. DSK Shivajians posed some threats in the second half, but those weren’t enough to create any panic in East Bengal dugout.
Mumbai FC are one of the title contenders this season and they sent out a strong message as they stunned Bengaluru FC at Cooperage. Arata Izumi and Minchel Son, Mumbai FC’s fresh signings this season have found the back of the net in the first half. Mumbai FC defence line showed their true grit and frustrated Bengaluru FC attackers. Sunil Chhetri, CK Vineeth kept on attacking from both the flanks, only to get mellowed down by Mumbai FC defenders. Minchel Son plundered the Hero of the Match cheque and currently he’s sharing the top position with Ranti Martins, both were awarded Hero of the Match twice till now in Hero I-League 2015-16.
Shillong Lajong and Salgaocar FC, both were desperate for some breathing space. Salgaocar FC could not grab a single point from their last three outings and Lajong had a tough outing against Bengaluru FC too. Lajong showed their true intention of grabbing their first win of Hero I-League 2015-16 and flooded the Salgaocar FC box with numerous attacks. Just before the half-an-hour mark, the Brazilian playmaker, Uilliams Souza Silva took a brilliant free-kick from outside the box and Fabio Pena, the newly recruited Brazilian striker, had to put minimal effort to find the net for the Reds. Salgaocar FC tried heart and soul to find the equaliser in the second half but their attacking third did all but penetrate the resilient Lajong defence.
In spite of going down to Mumbai FC, Bengaluru FC hold the pinnacle spot with 9 points from 4 outings. Kingfisher East Bengal jump to the second spot with 8 points from as many matches, Mumbai FC have also amassed 8 points, but they are on third because of inferior goal difference compared to Kingfisher East Bengal. Defending champions Mohun Bagan, who haven’t plied their trade in Hero I-League this week, have plunged to fourth spot, two points shy of the leaders. Salgaocar FC are yet to open their account after four matches and they are still at the rock bottom of the table.
