Mohammedan SC down NEROCA to keep title hopes alive
Mohammedan SC 2 (Marcus Joseph 17′, Henry Kisekka 90+1′)
beat
NEROCA FC 0
A convincing victory and a first clean sheet after eight games for Mohammedan SC helped them overcome NEROCA FC on a rainy evening, here at the Naihati Stadium. Both goals were gifts from the NEROCA defence as Marcus Joseph was on the scoresheet again alongside Henry Kisekka, who scored five minutes after coming on to make his first appearance for the club.
Emerging with just one win in the last five games and Gokulam Kerala continuing their good run at the top, a good start in this game was a compulsion for Mohammedan. The rain played its part on the pitch as both sides were testing the waters in the opening ten minutes of the game.
Mohammedan got the start they wanted as Marcus Joseph pounced on a complacent back-pass and carefully placed it into the back of the net to give his side the lead in the 17th minute. The Trinidadian attacking instinct has been evident all season and was evident yet again as he nabbed his 13th goal of the season, with an eye on the golden boot.
In the final quarter of the first half, Joseph was hungry for another goal as he prowled into the NEROCA box again. This time the striker was denied, first by Ben Nash and then by Lallenmang Sitlhou. Towards the end of the first half, Joseph chose to pass instead of shoot as he put SK Faiaz through on goal but the attack came to nothing.
After conceding in an unfortunate manner, NEROCA pushed forward looking for a desperate equaliser. The attacking four of NEROCA were kept at bay by the Mohammedan back-five. Khaiminthang Lhungdim got into the box from the left but a dual tackle from Wayne Vaz and Saiful Rahaman denied a shot on target.
In the second half, Mohammedan came out all guns blazing, exuding confidence in attack, pushing NEROCA into their own half. Faiaz came close to scoring Mohammedan’s second of the evening but was denied by Nash at the end. Joseph and Faisal Ali played a nice one-two down the right before Joseph blasted his shot just wide of the goal.
A minute later, Brandon Vanlalremdika crossed in a beautiful ball from the left which came directly to Ali who could not keep his free header on target. Joseph was in on the act again as he found himself in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. However, this time it was Prateek Singh who came out on top with a brave block to deny the Trinidadian.
Four minutes past the hour mark, NEROCA had an opportunity to whip the ball into the Mohammedan box from a freekick. Davis Kamanga lofted the ball in but it could not do any damage. Instead, it gave Mohammedan a chance to break on the counter. Brandon sneaked into the box from the left, under pressure from Sitlhou, and got a tame shot away that was comfortably saved by the keeper.
NEROCA had Ben Nash to thank for his astute defending that kept them in the game. Ali was in on goal but could not get a shot away as Nash thwarted the Winger’s run from the right. Nash’s tackles, blocks and pressurising tactics ended quite a few Mohammedan attacks.
At the other end, the defensive pair of Wayne Vaz and Asheer Akhtar was booked for a double-challenge on Kamanga. From the resulting freekick, Mendi’s curling effort was inches away from goal.
Three minutes from time, Andrey Chernyshov decided to make a defensive change as Andelo Rudovic was replaced by Sujit Sadhu. The change came a couple of minutes after Faiaz was replaced by Henry Kisekka, who had come on to make his first appearance of the season.
In the first minute of additional time, Joseph was gifted with yet another opportunity. However, this time the unselfish striker passed it to Kisekka, who took a touch before tapping the ball into an empty net. Kisekka scored a goal five minutes into his first appearance to give Mohammedan a two-goal lead that was held till the full-time whistle.
The win keeps Mohammedan in the title race and within three points of Gokulam Kerala. The leaders do have a game in hand. NEROCA, who have extended their winless streak to six games, moved to the bottom of the table, level on points with Rajasthan United.
Credits: I-League Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Gokulam Kerala’s title charge halted by Churchill Brothers
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
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…