RFDL 2024-25 National Group Stage: Mohun Bagan SG Down Muthoot FA, Classic FA Rally To Sink Sreenidi Deccan
MBSG edged Muthoot 2-1 in a close encounter, while Classic FA produced a fantastic comeback to defeat Sreenidi Deccan FC 3-2 in their Reliance Foundation Development League 2024-25 National Group Stage match at the Reliance Corporate Park in Mumbai on Thursday.
Ahead of the first game between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Muthoot FA, the two sides aimed to maintain their winning momentum, having registered wins against Mumbai City FC and Classic FA, respectively. The Mariners started the game on the strong foot, capitalising on a mistake from Muthoot FA to take a crucial lead in the game. Their Player of the Match against Mumbai City FC Vian Murgod, pressured the opposition defence to win the ball in a dangerous position and poked it past the Muthoot FA goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The Kerala-based side got one back before the half-time break when Umer Muhthar brought Abith K B down inside the box and the referee pointed towards the spot. The Muthoot forward coolly placed the ball in the bottom right corner to bring the scores level.
Mohun Bagan, however, looked more robust in the second half and earned a penalty right after the restart when Amandeep was fouled inside the box by Muthoot FA goalkeeper Mohammed Anas while attempting to clear the ball. Leimapokpam Sibajit Singh, who was a livewire in the attack throughout the game, stepped up to take the spot kick and put his side back into the lead by scoring the penalty. The Mariners held on to their slender lead and ensured a 100% record in the competition.
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In the afternoon kick-off, Classic FA registered an emphatic 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Sreenidi Deccan FC in their second match of the RFDL 2024-25 National Group Stage. The Telangana-based side took an early lead in the 10th minute through Levis Zangminlun. Lalfamkima’s attempt from close range was parried by the Classic FA goalkeeper, but Levis managed to score from the rebound. It wasn’t long before Thangjam Roshan Singh set up Bharat Lairenjam inside the box in the 22nd minute. The latter made no mistake in tapping it in and making it 1-1 as the two sides headed into the break.
Late drama ensued in the game when Sreenidi substitute Embokhlang Nongkhlaw made the most out of a piercing through ball from Jay Paominlal Singson to give Sreenidi the lead again in the 85th minute. But Classic FA came all cylinders firing in the remaining minutes of the game to produce a remarkable turnaround. Md. Arbash’s free-kick in the first minute of stoppage time was spilled by the Sreenidi goalkeeper and Blessing Keishing was in the right place at the right time to smash home the equalizer.
The Manipur-based side, full of confidence after the equalizing goal, produced a late wave of attack causing trouble to the Sreenidi goalkeeper. Captain Yendrembam Rohit Singh managed to poke the ball in following a melee inside the box to make it 3-2 and win it for his side deep into the stoppage time.
After the game, Sreenidi Deccan FC Reserves Team Head Coach Alvaro Mota quoted, “We have a very young squad here with an average age of 18. Our goalkeeper today is just 16. So the key for our side is to learn from mistakes and not repeat them. Today was a tough loss for us. I need to credit our opponents, Classic FA, for hanging in there and not giving up till the end. We tried to put up a good show and correct our markings. But the boys will learn a lot from this experience."
Earlier on Wednesday, NorthEast United registered a narrow 1-0 win over FC Goa to grab their first three points of the RFDL National Group Stage. The Highlanders, though, left it late to take the lead in the game. Following a short corner, skipper Fredy Chawngthansanga delivered a pinching cross into the box and Mukul Panwar headed it onto Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam who was through on goal. The midfielder comfortably took a touch and beat the FC Goa goalkeeper from close range to win it for NorthEast United FC.
Brief Scores
FC Goa 0 – NorthEast United FC 1 (70’ Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam)
Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2 (20’ Vian Murgod, 49’ Leimapokpam Sibajit Singh (P)) – Muthoot FA 1 (34’ Abith B K (P))
Sreenidi Deccan FC 2 (10′ Levis Zangminlun, 85′ Embokhlang Nongkhlaw) – Classic FA 3 (22′ Bharat Lairenjam, 90+1′ Blessing Keishing, 90+5′ Yendrembam Rohit Singh)
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