Ambernath United Atlanta FC takes control of I-League 2 with commanding 5-1 triumph

by Chittu Shetty May 17, 2023

A scintillating performance with five different goalscorers puts Ambernath United Atlanta FC at the summit of the Hero I League Qualifier – Final Round league table

Ambernath United Atlanta FC continued their remarkable run in the I-League 2 as they delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over league leaders Shillong Lajong. With this win, they have taken firm control of the summit, building on their opening match success in the final round.

Having already secured four consecutive wins in the group stages and one in the final round, Steven Dias’ side demonstrated sheer dominance, control, and elegance throughout the match, igniting the atmosphere at Cooperage Stadium. Five different goalscorers played pivotal roles in this impressive triumph.

The home team took an early lead through Arif Shaikh, who capitalized on excellent wing play by Shravan Shetty. Breaking his marker’s defense at the edge of the box, Shetty provided a perfect setup for Arif to tap in the opening goal.

Before halftime, Adil Khan further extended the lead with a powerful header from a corner ball, giving Ambernath United Atlanta FC a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

In the 56th minute, Shravan Shetty himself found the back of the net, adding another goal to his ever-growing tally. After a quick one-two exchange at the edge of the box, Shetty evaded the offside trap, driving into the box to strike a shot that initially hit the crossbar but was acrobatically converted on the rebound.

Shillong Lajong pulled one back through Hardy Nongbri’s well-placed header from a right-wing cross in the 67th minute, reducing the deficit to two goals.

However, Ambernath United Atlanta FC quickly regained their momentum. In the 87th minute, Johnson Matthews unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, finding the back of the net and securing the fourth goal. Captain Himanshu Patil then capitalized on a defensive error, adding a fifth goal to seal the comprehensive 5-1 victory.

*_{(L to R)Johnson Mathews, Adil Khan & Aaron Dcosta celebrate their goal against Shillong Lajong during the Hero 2nd Division final-round game}*

With back-to-back home wins in the final round, Ambernath United Atlanta FC now sits at the top of the table with six points. Delhi FC’s 3-2 away victory against United SC places them in second position with four points, while Shillong Lajong occupies the third spot with four points.

FC Bengaluru United holds the fourth position with three points from one win and one loss, while United SC remains winless and sits at the bottom of the table.

Steven Dias’ side continues to script something special on the field, as Ambernath United Atlanta FC positions itself as a strong contender for I-League qualification in the 2023-24 season. With two away matches remaining, they will approach each game step by step, aiming to secure their spot in the prestigious league.

Next up for Ambernath United Atlanta FC is their first away trip of the final round to West Bengal, where they will face United SC at the Kalyani Municipal Sports Complex. The match is scheduled for Sunday, promising another exciting battle on their journey toward qualification.

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