Gaurs play-off road gets trickier after a 1-1 draw against Delhi
Gaurs were denied yet another clean sheet as Nigerian striker Kalu Uche struck late to cancel out Hugo Boumous’ effort as both teams shared the spoils in a fiery encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
Substitute goalkeeper Arnab Das produced a scintillating save deep into stoppage time to prevent Coro from adding to his tally and scoring a winner as the Gaurs’ chances of qualification to the knockout stage grew slimmer.
It could have been the perfect start for the Dynamos after former Gaur Manuel Arana received a ball from another former Gaur. The Spaniard then played a neat give and go with Kalu Uche who threaded a superb through ball to Arana. The midfielder trapped the ball well but under pressure, poked it straight at Naveen Kumar who made the stop. At the other end, Mandar Rao Dessai cut in from the right wing and hit a shot towards the near post. However, the shot lacked any venom and Xabier Irueta stopped it with ease. Brandon Fernandes had the next chance at goal after he intercepted a pass in the 6th minute and took a shot from just outside the box. The shot however, flew over the crossbar.
The Gaurs were dominating the ball in midfield with New signing Hugo Boumous looking lively in his first start for the club. However, it was Brandon who could have given his side the lead in the 21st minute. The Goan played Coro through down the right side, who took the ball well, darted into the box and attempted to pull the ball back on to his left foot but couldn’t control it. The ball took a deflection and fell kindly for Brandon whose first time shot with his left foot just missed the near post.
Five minutes later, Mandar missed a gilt edged chance to give Goa the lead. Boumous found the run of the winger with a good ball down the right flank. Mandar showed good pace to get on to the end of it, cut the ball back on to his stronger left foot but hit the shot straight at Xabier who accepted it with glee. Coro made space for himself two yards out and could have tapped it into an empty net had the winger squared the ball for him.
A couple of minutes later, Mirabaje played Romeo through down the right. The speedy winger got to the byline and put in a dangerous low ball in the direction of Uche who made the run forward. Ali Mohammad however, got in the way to deflect the ball away from the run of the Nigerian. Hugo had a chance in the 36th minute after Coro played the Moroccan through. However, a good tackle inside the box halted his run as the chance went begging.
The visitors could have taken an early lead in the second period after Gabriel Cichero found the run of Romeo on the right with a peach of a long ball. The Goan ran down the flank, cut into the box and played the ball back towards Arana. However, Ali read the play and intercepted the pass to avert danger. Goa’s possession and pressure finally paid off in the 54th minute with a superb solo effort. Boumous received a pass from Edu in the center of the park, slamed his way past the Delhi defence and took a right footed shot aimed at the far post. The ball however, deflected off the back of Cichero and flew into the net at the opposite post, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot as Fatorda erupted in celebration. The visitors were under pressure immediately to find an equalizer and looked to push forward at every chance.
Also Read: Mumbai aim to keep semi-final hopes alive
The hosts could have doubled their lead in the 62nd minute. Hugo showed urgency as he looked to get forward, played a neat 1-2 with Coro and darted forward. However, under pressure he cut the ball back. Coro continued his run forward, nicked the ball and ran into the box. However, Xabier came rushing out to get a hand to Coro’s left footed shot to keep the deficit down to only one.
Delhi could have pulled it back in the 78th minute when a defensive mistake by the Gaurs almost cost them. Sergio Juste’s attempted pass to Boumous wasn’t accurate enough and Uche stole the ball and threaded a through pass for Lallianzuala Changte who struck a fierce shot at Naveen’s goal. However, the ball hit the side netting, giving the Gaurs a massive let off. But in the 82nd minute another sloppy passing from the Gaurs saw Lumu take the ball in midfield and thread a stunning pass to Changte who darted into the box and found the run of Uche with a low cross. The Nigerian made no mistake from a few yards out to deny the Gaurs yet another clean sheet.
From the restart, Mandar had another opportunity to give his side the lead after he was played through, but he delayed his shot and the chance was lost. The winger had yet another chance in the 88th minute when Hugo played him through. Mandar got on to the end of the pass in a good area but hit his shot wide. Coro could have given the Gaurs a late, late winner when he collected a deflected ball and unleashed an effort at the far post. Arnab Das however, got in the way to make a stunning save. Sifneos was also presented with a chance in the 94th minute but skewed his shot wide from inside the box. Not long after, the referee called for time on proceedings.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Indian Football
Indian Super League 2023-24 final to be played on May 04
Indian Super League Season 10 playoffs to begin on April 19, the first leg of semifinals will begin from April 23 while the fInal will be played on May 4…
Battle lines drawn as 20 clubs gear up for the National Group Stage of Reliance Foundation Development League 2024
Mumbai, April 11: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024 has reached a pivotal moment as the Regional Qualifiers conclude, paving the way for an intense National Group Stage. This will take…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Mohun Bagan SG set the date for League Winners Face-off against Mumbai City FC with a dominant 4-0 win against Bengaluru FC
Mohun Bagan SG defeated Bengaluru FC by 4-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium tonight to take the battle of becoming the Indian Super League 2023-24 League Winners to the final…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
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…