Delhi FC 0
lost to 
Namdhari FC 2 (Bhupinder Singh 30’, Cledson Carvalho Dasilva 52’)

AIFF Media Team

MAHILPUR: Namdhari FC regained their top position in the ongoing I-League 2024-25 points table with a 2-0 victory over Delhi FC at the Mahilpur Football Stadium on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

The winners, who led 1-0 at half time, scored through Bhupinder Singh (30’) and Cledson Carvalho Dasilva (52’).

Namdhari FC now have 24 points from 12 matches, two more than Churchill Brothers. The Goa team, however, can overtake Namdhari on Monday when they play their Round 12 match against Sporting Club Bengaluru on their home ground in Raia. 

Delhi FC, on the other hand, are knee-deep in trouble; they have only nine points to show from 12 matches. Placed 11th in the points table, Delhi are hovering around the relegation zone for quite some time now without being able to pull off a recovery.

Namdhari are no spectacular side, not yet, at least. But they have a businesslike approach that is turning out to be a huge advantage. Moreover, they have developed a winning habit that sees them through even on their off days. Namdhari have lowered the colours of hot contenders like Churchill Brothers and Gokulam Kerala FC and are certainly on a roll.

Sunday was one such day when Namdhari were not at their best against a team, who have been struggling to stay afloat and avoid relegation. But in the initial stages, Delhi FC definitely had the upper hand. They attacked vigorously, though not always with a definite plan in mind, and kept the Namdhari defenders on their toes with repeated raids.

Namdhari defenders looked vulnerable against regular onslaughts. They were clearly lucky not to fall behind by a goal in the 25thminute. A Sanson Pereira corner from the right caught everyone in the defence on the wrong foot and but for a rather casual shot from Sajal Bag, the Delhi side would have surely snatched the lead.

Yet, despite being under some pressure, Namdhari took the lead in the 30th minute. As Jaskaranpreet Singh raced down the right and sent it low at the goalmouth, Bhupinder Singh reached in time to slam it in with a confident- looking strike.

Once they found the lead, Namdhari were a different team altogether. They gained in confidence and picked up their second goal seven minutes into the second half. 

Namdhari’s Brazilian recruit, Cledson Carvalho Dasilva “Degol”, is a key character upfront, but the Delhi FC defence was extra cautious in keeping him under check. But it wasn’t enough to deny him the eighth goal of the season. It began with Ghanaian midfielder Francis Nuer Addo, who found Bhupinder on the right. Bhupinder’s cross in the box turned out to be a perfect one for Degol, who beat Lalmuansanga under the bar with consummate ease.