I-League 3 match at KASA Stadium in Diphu witness more attendance than ISL teams FC Goa and West Block Blues

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The KASA Stadium in Diphu witnessed an astonishing attendance of 11,160 for the I-League 3 match between Jaipur and Karbi Anglong Morning Star. This remarkable figure has turned heads across Indian football, surpassing the average attendance of most Indian Super League (ISL) clubs.

Such a turnout is uncommon in the lower tiers of Indian football and demonstrates the immense potential of untapped football markets in the northeast. Historically, football clubs from the northeast have enjoyed passionate fan support, known for their loud and unwavering backing, making their home stadiums tough grounds for opponents.

This was on full display during the Durand Cup 2024, where clubs like Shillong Lajong, NorthEast United, and Bodoland FC enjoyed raucous home support. In Shillong Lajong's case, the fans acted as the crucial 12th man, propelling the team to the semi-finals by defeating Kolkata giants East Bengal in a memorable quarter-final.

With such incredible regional passion, the 11,160-strong attendance at KASA Stadium outshines the average attendance of many ISL teams last season. Only four ISL clubs had better average crowds:

• Mohun Bagan SG (34,790)
• Kerala Blasters FC (27,519)
• East Bengal FC (16,285)
• Jamshedpur FC (14,996)

Teams that saw even fewer fans per match were -

• FC Goa (8,642)
• Bengaluru FC (8,061)
• Chennaiyin FC (6,146)
• Odisha FC (5,907)
• NorthEast United FC (5,398)
• Mumbai City FC (4,203)
• Hyderabad FC (2,173)

Read more: Chennaiyin FC ISL 2024-25 Preview: Full Transfers List, Strength and Weakness, Key Players, Fixtures

This was one of the worst records for the former ISL champions Hyderabad FC. However, considering the state of the club, the disastrous finances, marketing, and more, this was to be expected. Thankfully, they have new investors this season, and hopefully they will soon pick up the pieces.

On the other hand, NorthEast United FC, fresh off winning their first-ever major trophy with the 2024 Durand Cup, might see an increase in attendance for the upcoming ISL season. With their home crowds averaging only 5,398 last season, fans think that a move to host select matches at the KASA Stadium could provide a boost.

The enthusiasm shown for the I-League 3 game suggests that there is a fervent football fanbase in Diphu that could rally behind NorthEast United, potentially lifting the team's performances, much like how Shillong Lajong fans helped their team in the Durand Cup.

In a league that saw massive crowds at marquee fixtures, such as Mohun Bagan SG's record-setting 61,777 fans for their final league match and the Kolkata derbies attracting over 57,000 fans, the turnout in Diphu shows there's a broader appetite for live football in India.