Mohammedan SC clinch their first victory in the Durand Cup 2023
Mohammedan SC secured a 2-1 victory over the Indian Navy Football Team in the Group B fixture of the Durand Cup. Goals in the second half by David Lalhlansanga and Lalremsanga secure the win to overcome Indian Navy’s challenge.
Mohammedan SC now has three points behind Group leaders Mumbai City FC and Indian Navy are yet to open their account in the Durand Cup.
Highlights of the Game
The Black and White Brigade started the game with clear intent. They had their first clear-cut chance in the eighth minute when Alexis found Lalremsanga with a brilliant lobbed pass, but the forward failed to convert his chance.
Lalremsanga posed huge problems for the Indian Navy with his pace and he had another opportunity from close range. However, Navy’s keeper Vishnu was quick off his line and denied the youngster’s first goal of the season.
Indian Navy, on the other hand, had their first chance around the half-hour mark against the run of play. Mohammedan’s goalkeeper advanced from his goal line to clear the ball, but his clearance landed right in Inayath’s path. The winger attempted a lofted shot from a distance of 30 yards, but it sailed just over the crossbar.
Mohammedan certainly had the better of the chances in the first half, but the half ended goalless. The Kolkata giants managed a total of five shots, while Indian Navy recorded only two attempts on goal.
Mohammedan SC started the second half with the purpose to break the deadlock.
In the 50 minute, Bikash Singh threaded a through ball, and on this occasion, David Lalhlansanga showed composure, as he elegantly guided it beyond the goalkeeper.
Alexis Gomez tested the Navy’s custodian, with a stunning long-range effort, but Vishnu made a finger-tip save to keep his side in the game.
Mohammedan managed to take a second goal in the 65th minute. The partnership between Lalhlansanga and Lalremsanga already posed problems for the Navy side in the first half, and they managed to create another chance. David Lalhlansanga turned provider, setting up Lalremsanga who calmly guided into the net.
After scoring the second goal, Mohammedan slowed the tempo of the game. Indian Navy, however, pulled a goal back in stoppage time from the penalty spot, but it was too late for them to make a comeback.
A young Odisha FC beat I-League side Rajasthan United FC in Group F Matchup
Aphaoba Singh’s second-half penalty and Chandra Mohan Murmu’s goals helped the Odisha side beat Rajasthan United FC 2-1 in the Group F fixture of the 132nd IndianOil Durand Cup played at the SAI Stadium. Richardson Denzell scored the equalizer for Rajasthan after Murmu had given the lead for Odisha.
Odisha and Rajasthan have 3 points each after completing two matches. Indian Army FT also has three points making Group F interesting.
Highlights of the Game
RUFC started the half on the front foot and created a chance in the very first minute. Lalchungnungaput in a cross from the left found Vanlalzahawma but the forward shot wide.
Odisha FC were looking better coordinated going forward. They had a golden opportunity to take the lead but were denied by a double save by Rajasthan keeper Sachin Jha.
Both teams had half chances to score but the final touch was missing as both teams went into the half with the score tied.
The stalemate was broken in the second half as Odisha scored in the 48th minute. Adwin Tirkey’s corner was headed back into the danger area by Rahul Mukhi and it was finished past the goalkeeper by Chandra Mohan Murmu.
Odisha’s lead stayed for just three minutes as Rajasthan responded immediately. Richardson Denzell struck a powerful shot from 30 yards out which ended in the back of the net through the hands of Odisha keeper Niraj Kumar.
Both of the goalkeepers were busy as they made some good saves to keep the scores level.
Odisha were awarded a penalty as Matthew Ofori Dunga fouled Rahul Mukhi inside the box. Aphaoba Singh converted the penalty to give the young Odisha side the lead.
Rajasthan went on the hunt for the equalizer but the youngsters from Odisha defended resiliently as the team from Jaipur were forced to attempt long distance shots.
Rajasthan had a golden opportunity to snatch the equalizer in the final seconds of injury time but the Odisha keeper missed the ball completely Denzell who was waiting behind could only head it above the goal giving the young boys from Odisha their first win of the tournament.
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