The I-League 2023-24 season is set for a thrilling finish, with four teams—Churchill Brothers, Gokulam Kerala, Real Kashmir, and Inter Kashi—still in contention for the title. With just one match remaining for each team, the final week promises to be one of the most interesting match weeks in the league’s history.

Churchill Brothers (39 points) – The Front-Runners

Churchill Brothers are in the strongest position to secure the title. They currently sit at the top of the table with 39 points and a win would confirm their title beyond any doubt, taking them to 42 points. As per the current table, even a draw in their final match against Real Kashmir would suffice to win the championship. If they lose by one or two goals, they could still win the league unless Gokulam Kerala secures a victory in their final match. A loss by three or more goals would put them at risk of losing the title to Real Kashmir, provided Gokulam also drops points.

However, since the AIFF Appeal Committee has stayed the forfeiture decision taken by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee on the I-League 2024-25 match between Namdhari FC and Inter Kashi, and the final decision is yet to be taken, there is lack of clarity regarding the position of Inter Kashi. If the AIFF Appeal Committee upholds the decision by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee, then Inter Kashi will also have 39 points with a match to go. Then a loss or a draw could make things complicated. If Churchill drop points and Inter Kashi secures a win, the men from Uttar Pradesh will be crowned as the champions (provided the Appeal Committee decision goes in favour of Kashi).
Churchill has the advantage of controlling their own destiny. They do not need to rely on other results, making them the favorites heading into the final round of matches. However, their match will be held at Srinagar where the weather is hostile. Considering the home record of Real Kashmir, the final match won’t be a cakewalk for the men from Goa.

Gokulam Kerala (37 points) – Hoping for Churchill’s Defeat

Gokulam Kerala remains in the title race but does not have full control over their fate. They are in red hot form with four wins from as many matches. Their striker Thabiso Brown has also scored 8 goals in the final six matches. Their final match is against Dempo SC, and they must win to keep their hopes alive. However, even with a victory, they can only win the title if Churchill Brothers lose their final match.

If Churchill earns a draw or a win, Gokulam will remain behind them, regardless of their own result. However, if Churchill loses and Gokulam wins, they will move to 40 points, which would make them the new champions. Also, the decision of the AIFF Appeal Committee on Inter Kashi will also affect their chances. If the decision goes in favour of Inter Kashi, then the path will be even more difficult for Gokulam.

Gokulam’s priority is securing a victory against Dempo. If they fail to do so, they will be out of contention irrespective of the result of Churchill’s match. They have to face Dempo at Goa and the away record of Gokulam Kerala is very impressive.

Real Kashmir (36 points) – Needing a Dominant Win and Luck

Real Kashmir has a narrow path to the title. They must not only defeat Churchill Brothers in their final match but also win by a margin of at least three goals. This would take them to 39 points, equal with Churchill, but they would finish ahead based on head-to-head results. Even if they manage to secure a three-goal victory, their title chances depend on Gokulam Kerala dropping points. If Gokulam wins their final match, they will reach 40 points, making it impossible for Real Kashmir to overtake them.

Churchill is unlikely to make it easy for them, and a three-goal margin is a difficult target. They must also hope that Gokulam does not win their match against Dempo.

Inter Kashi (36 points) – A Team Waiting on AIFF’s Decision

Inter Kashi’s title hopes are not just dependent on their performance but also on an administrative decision by the AIFF. The club was initially awarded a 3-0 victory over Namdhari FC due to Namdhari fielding an ineligible player. However, the AIFF appeal committee stayed this decision, leaving Inter Kashi with 36 points for now.

To have any chance at the title, Inter Kashi must first win their final match against Rajasthan United, who are in strong form with three consecutive victories. Even with a win, their fate depends on AIFF reinstating the 3-0 victory over Namdhari. If AIFF rules in their favor, Inter Kashi would reach 39 points and could be in contention depending on other results.

Their path to the title is the most uncertain. Unlike the other teams, they have to wait for an official decision after the league concludes.

What to Expect in the Final Matches
The title will be decided based on three key matches:

Gokulam Kerala vs. Dempo SC on April 4

Churchill Brothers vs. Real Kashmir on April 6

Inter Kashi vs. Rajasthan United on April 6

We expect that at least the first two matches, if not all, to be conducted at the same time.
If Gokulam Kerala fails to win against Dempo, their title hopes are over. If they win, the focus will shift to Churchill’s match against Real Kashmir. Churchill needs only a draw to secure the title. If they lose by three or more goals and Gokulam wins, Real Kashmir could become champions. Meanwhile, Inter Kashi must win and hope for a favorable AIFF decision to have a chance.

Conclusion

Churchill Brothers are in the best position, but a loss could open the door for Gokulam Kerala or even Real Kashmir. Inter Kashi remains a wildcard, with their fate depending on an AIFF ruling. With so many possibilities, the final round of matches promises to be an intense battle for the title.