Asish Rai’s Stunning strike helps Indian Arrows register first win
The AIFF’s development side Indian Arrows registered their first win of the 12th Hero I-League campaign riding on an 11th minute Asish Rai strike to overcome Shillong Lajong FC at Cuttack’s Barabati stadium.
The side from the Meghalaya hills were clearly out of depth in the heat and humidity of Odisha’s second largest city against a well-travelled Arrows unit and capitulated to a second successive defeat from three games, despite impressive performances in their first two outings back home. The Arrows, on the other hand, did extremely well to come back after a 1-4 loss to Chennai in their opening game.
Arrows coach Floyd Pinto made a couple of changes to the eleven which started the first game against Chennai. Aimol began at right back in place of Jitendra Singh and Boris Singh replaced Sanjiv Stalin, who had a mediocre outing against Chennai, on the right side of midfield.
Alison Kharsyntiew, the Shillong head, on the other hand, opted for an unchanged eleven to the one which started against Quess East Bengal, playing a regular 4-4-2 with Mahesh Naorem Singh and captain Samuel Lalmuanpuia upfront. Shillong were quicker off the blocks though with Lalmuanpuia releasing Buam inside the box as early as the second minute but the midfielder failed to chest the ball down properly in front of him to make the desired impact.
Then in the 11th minute, off an Arrows attacking foray, the loose ball meandered away from the Shillong goal with Novin Gurung at right back in pursuit. Novin’s touch just outside the box was intercepted by an onrushing Asish Rai who broke free and unleashed a crisp right-footed curler to give the Arrows the lead for the second game running.
The Arrows then decided to sit back and hold on to the lead and play on the counter, a strategy which they have been brought up on quite well. Samuel’s low piercing corner from the right flank in the 19th minute seemed straight out of the training grounds and was aimed at Kenstar Kharshong’s head. The centre-back leapt up and connected with a perfect angled header but just missed the target by a whisker.
The game did not pick up much pace even after the break and all movement was restricted mainly to the midfield. Rahul KP and Boris were the most enterprising of the Arrows boys while the combination of Samuel, Buam and an overlapping Rakesh Pradhan on the left wing was all the Shillong attacks were originating from.
There were a couple of bookings that referee Suman Kumar had to effect. Aniket Jadhav was booked in the 60th minute and was promptly replaced by Rohit Danu. For Shillong, Lalrohlua went into the books for a rash tackle on Boris.
As the game neared the final whistle, Shillong stepped up the pressure and a couple of chances went abegging. In the 88th minute, off a Rakesh Pradhan cross from the left, centre back Aiban rose to connect with a strong header but Aimol affected a goal-line clearance to keep the Arrows lead intact. Then the captain Samuel earned a free kick in the last minute of injury time in the danger zone but his effort struck the Arrows wall.
Having opened their account, Indian Arrows now rise to the fifth spot with three points whereas Lajong will continue to hold the fourth spot with three points having played one match more.
Also Read: Pune City’s Diego Carlos suspended to two additional matches; fined Rs 2 Lakh
Also Read: Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC: ISL’s biggest rivalry – where it all began
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…