With only five matches remaining per team, the 2024-25 I-League season is reaching a thrilling conclusion. Six teams are still in contention for the title, and the top three are separated by a margin of just 2 points, making this one of the most competitive races in recent years. Let’s analyze each team’s chances based on their current form, upcoming fixtures, and position in the table.
1. Churchill Brothers (31 points, 1st place)
Under the tutelage of Dimitris Dimitriou, Churchill Brothers have been the most consistent team this season. They made Raia Panchayat Ground their new home and they have had a good home run this year. However, their recent form has been shaky with one win in their last four matches. The way Wayde Lekay and Trijoy Das are in front has helped the team stay at the pole position. Their final five fixtures include tough encounters against Gokulam Kerala, Shillong Lajong, Namdhari, Real Kashmir, and Inter Kashi. Three out of the final five matches are home games, which is beneficial for them. However, their final fixture is against Real Kashmir FC at Srinagar, which could be the title decider. While they lead the table, any slip-ups could cost them dearly. If they can regain their winning form, they are favorites to clinch the title, but their lead is fragile. They have the history of losing titles after leading the table for a majority of the time.
2. Inter Kashi (31 points, 2nd place)
Inter Kashi sit level on points with Churchill Brothers but trail on goal difference. They have the biggest budget in the league and have a very successful coach at the helm. Antonio Habas knows what it takes to win the championships in India. However, despite having a solid squad with the likes of Kauko, they struggled against strong teams and suffered embarrassing defeats also. However, they have shown resilience and have won games from trailing situations. The last defeat against Real Kashmir FC will prick them a lot as Real Kashmir is one amongst the contenders. Their run-in includes direct clashes against Churchill Brothers, Gokulam Kerala, Shillong Lajong, Namdhari, and Real Kashmir, meaning they have their fate in their own hands. If they can win these crucial matches, they could steal the title.
3. Real Kashmir (29 points, 3rd place)
Just two points off the top, Real Kashmir are in strong contention. Ishfaq Ahmed, a Kashmiri himself, has done a fantastic job as the manager of the snow leopards. The best decision they took in the pre-season was to sign Amino Bouba, which turned out to be a steal deal. Amino led the defense very well, conceding just 18 goals; not to forget his contributions with headed goals. The current form is fantastic, having won three out of the last four fixtures. Their upcoming fixtures against SC Bengaluru, Aizawl FC, Delhi FC, Dempo SC, and Sreenidi Deccan are relatively favorable. May be their final clash against Churchill Brothers will turn out to be the title decider. If they can string together a winning streak, they could leapfrog the leaders; the fixtures are also in their favour.
4. Shillong Lajong (26 points, 4th place)
Shillong Lajong have been the surprise package of the season, however, the initial poor run at home may cost them the title. The current form of the men from Meghalaya is remarkable, having secured 10 points from the last 5 matches. On their day, they can score four or five past their opponents. However, they have been inconsistent despite having a decent squad. After 17 rounds, they are the team that scored the most number of goals (40 goals). As they have matches against Churchill Brothers and Inter Kashi, the progress will be difficult. If they can continue their form, they could mount a late charge, but their title hopes depend on multiple teams above them dropping points.
5. Namdhari (26 points, 5th place)
Namdhari FC is the mystery team of the league. They are level on points with Shillong but have been struggling for consistency, with just one win in their last five games. A lot of their destiny depends upon the performance of Cledson Carvalho, the Brazilian. He has been instrumental in the current run of the men from Punjab. At the middle phase of the league, they were at the top of the league. However, a few unfavorable results and penalty for playing an ineligible player against Inter Kashi dented their hopes. Their lack of experience in title races might work against them, making them outsiders in the hunt.
6. Gokulam Kerala (25 points, 6th place)
The former champions still have an outside chance at the title but need a perfect finish to the season. Despite having a strong squad, the Malabarians disappointed their fans by some below-par performances. The porous defense conceded 23 goals, raising questions against the decision of the management to let Amino Bouba go. Even though they have scored 33 goals, 20 of those came in four matches, making it clear that they failed to score consistently. Their recent form (two wins, three losses) has been mixed, and upcoming matches are against mid or low table teams. They need all five wins and multiple slip-ups from the top two to have a shot at the trophy.
With such a tight race, the next few weeks will be crucial. Churchill and Inter Kashi are the front-runners, but Real Kashmir and Shillong Lajong could turn the tide with strong performances. The title race is far from over, and every match will be decisive in determining the I-League champions.
