Rajasthan United FC stun Delhi FC with late winner

Rajasthan United left it late in their encounter against Delhi FC to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over the tournament favourites in the second match of the day at the Bangalore Football Stadium.
Rajasthan United FC forced the issue late on in the match as Delhi FC succumbed to the mounting pressure by conceding in added time of the second half through an own goal from defender Karandeep Singh. The win sends Rajasthan United level on points with Kenkre FC, who also won their match against Madan Maharaj FC earlier in the day.
Rajasthan United and Delhi FC stepped out onto the field as two like-minded teams competing against each other at a breakneck pace, with both sides employing frenetic pressing to win the ball back early. The first big chance fell the way of the team from Rajasthan, who broke quickly by playing a long ball over the top for their captain Akeem Abioye, who got the ball under his control and released a quick shot with his favoured left foot that flashed narrowly wide of the goal.
The game was then unfortunately halted for a short spell as Delhi FC goalkeeper James Kithan had to be substituted due to an injury. After receiving treatment for an injured quadriceps muscle in the opening ten minutes, James tried to carry on but could not continue much longer as he had to be substituted off the field for his replacement Suraj Mallick.
In a tightly contested affair, goal scoring chances were few and far between as both teams duelled valiantly in midfield to deny their opponents any space. In the 40th minute, Delhi FC received a free kick roughly 25 yards from goal and would have fancied their chances with captain Anwar Ali, who has already scored two goals from a dead ball situation in the Hero I-League Qualifiers 2021. However, Anwar was unable to produce the goods on this occasion as his low drive was blocked by the RUFC wall.
On the following play, RUFC again threatened the Delhi FC goal with a fast counterattack. Akeem Abioye turned provider this time around, releasing striker Sukhjit Singh on goal. Sukhjit did well to glide past the duo of Yumnam Raju and Karandeep Singh to create space for himself to take a shot on goal, which was directed straight towards the goalkeeper as Suraj Mallick made a comfortable save.
As both teams went into the halftime break on level terms, head coaches Vikrant Sharma and Surinder Singh would have appealed to their respective teams to take the initiative to produce more goal attempts in the second period. Rajasthan United were the first team to threaten in the second half from a set-piece situation, as Aman Thapa whipped in a fantastic corner which was headed just over the goal from point-blank range by Inder Mohan Singh.
In the 59th minute, Himanshu Jangra recorded Delhi FC’s first shot on target in the second half after a quick interplay with Willis Plaza. Jangra produced a left-footed effort that landed on target but did not trouble RUFC goalkeeper Vishal Joon, who saved comfortably. There was action on the opposite end in the 70th minute as Aman Thapa got the better of Delhi FC defender Samuel Shadap before running clean through on goal from the inside-left channel. As he tried to slide the ball past the charging goalkeeper, Suraj Mallick produced a fine save to deny Thapa. Aman Thapa once again appeared as RUFC’s most potent attacking outlet as the winger came close to scoring time and time again.
Delhi FC nearly had a fortunate break in the 75th when a regulation cross from winger Nikhil Mali took a wicked deflection off RUFC defender Floyd John and cannoned onto the frame of the goal before bouncing back into play. It was a matter of inches that denied Delhi FC the opening goal of the game from a huge stroke of luck.
As the game neared the full-time whistle, heavy rain came lashing down onto the Bangalore Football Stadium and made it difficult for players to adapt to the circumstances. The breakthrough came from one such instance in the 91st minute of the game as Aman Thapa prepared to deliver a corner from the left flank. His cross was met at the near post by Delhi FC defender Samuel Shadap, who swiped at the ball to clear it away but mishit his clearance to direct the ball towards his own goal, leaving goalkeeper Suraj Mallick no chance.
As RUFC took the lead with little time to spare, Delhi FC stared down at their first defeat of the Hero I-League Qualifiers 2021. The full-time whistle sparked jubilant celebrations on the RUFC touchline, leaving Delhi FC with their task cut out to turn this situation around in their remaining two Final Round matches.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Pravitto Raju stars with late winner as Kenkre FC edge Madan Maharaj FC
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Millat FC placed in Group D of I-league 3; fixtures out
The excitement in the Mumbai footballing community is high as Millat FC, a local football club with a local history, prepares to kick off its campaign in the inaugural season…
Punjab Football Club Announces Squad for Indian Super league 2023-24
Mohali, September 22, 2023: Punjab FC has announced their 33 member squad for the upcoming Indian Super League 2023-24 season. Punjab FC will be making their debut in this year’s ISL…
India book Asian Games knockout berth: to face Saudi Arabia
India booked Asian Games knockout berth after a gap of 13 years with a 1-1 draw against Myanmar, set to face Saudi Arabia in the Pre-quarters For India, Sunil Chhetri…
Prodigal Blue Tigresses go down to Thailand in crunch encounter
NEW DELHI: India Senior Women’s Team’s dream of crossing the group stage hurdle in the Asian Games 2023 evaporated on the pitch of Wenzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Wenzhou, on Sunday,…
Mumbai City FC announce squad for 2023-24 ISL: El Khayati returns to the fold
Mumbai City FC is gearing up for the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) season with the exciting return of Nasser El Khayati into the 27-member squad Mumbai City FC are…
Manchester City kicks off the Treble Trophy tour in India
Manchester City kicks Off the treble trophy tour in India as the four trophies are displayed at the Venbanad lake in Kochi Kochi, 22nd September 2023: Manchester City kicked off…
FC Goa announces ticket sale for ISL 2023-24 home matches
FC Goa announced ticket sales for their highly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 home matches at the iconic Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. Football enthusiasts and passionate…
Mumbai City FC shines against Highlanders to kick off 2023-24 season with full points
Mumbai City FC edged past NorthEast United FC by 2-1 in Guwahati to commence their ISL 2023-24 campaign with full 3 points on Sunday. The home team’s Parthib Gogoi’s goal…
Mumbai City FC shifts AFC Champions League home fixture against Al Hilal to Navi Mumbai
Mumbai City FC recently announced the relocation of their group stage home fixture against Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal from Pune to Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil stadium. This strategic…
St. Patrick’s High School, Jharkhand defend their Junior (U 17) Girls Subroto Cup title
New Delhi, September 26, 2023: St. Patrick’s High School, Gumla, Jharkhand defended their title in the 62nd Subroto Cup Junior (U 17) Girls Inter School International Football Tournament defeating G.S.S.S Alakhpura,…
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…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…