Maharashtra Oranje FC, Kalina Rangers CFF settle for draw in 6-goal thriller

by Chittu Shetty December 3, 2023

In a captivating Mumbai Premier League fixture, Maharashtra Oranje FC and Kalina Rangers CFF battled fiercely, ultimately settling for a 3-3 draw in an action-packed encounter.

The stage was set at the Neville D’Souza Ground for a Mumbai Premier League clash that promised excitement from the first whistle. Maharashtra Oranje FC initiated proceedings with a series of early attacks, displaying intent with corners that tested the reflexes of Kalina Rangers CFF’s goalkeeper.

A swift response from Oranje on the left flank saw Miit’s strike, following a cutback, brilliantly denied by the keeper. However, the deadlock was soon broken by Kalina Rangers CFF. Johnson Dsilva’s freekick kissed the post, and Joston seized the opportunity, catching the Oranje defense off guard, and converting the rebound.

Oranje fought back valiantly, with Sanchit Singh’s header from Ashish Lalge’s cross narrowly missing the mark. The equalizer eventually came as Miit Adekar showcased his prowess in a lightning counter-attack, slotting the ball past the keeper from a tight angle.

Kalina Rangers CFF responded with couple of close chances, with Bharat Barani’s volleyed shot forcing a fingertips save off Oranje Keeper Pratik Jadhav and Shoaib Baig hitting the bar before the ball rolled away to safety.

As half time neared, Oranje took the lead when Advait’s brilliantly weighted ball from the left side of the box set up Miit Adekar for a header in to the boxmaking it 2-1 at break for Oranje FC

As the teams returned for the second half, Oranje FC continued their attacking momentum. Sanchit Singh rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot early in the half. Oranje went close again, when Kuivao Ruivah one of the standout performers in the middle dribbled pasts 4 players on his way into the box. Playing a quick 1-2, Ruivah manages to get a shot on target, however Kalina keeper makes a good save to keep the score 2-1.

The continuous pressure paid off as Sanchit Singh produced a clinical finish to get on a score sheet making it 3-1 after a brilliant interplay of passes from midfield to attack from Oranje FC team much to the delight of attending Oranje FC fans.

Oranje continued to to attack and had number of Opportunity to put the game to bed with Substitute Rinaldo Fernandes coming close couple of times. On one such attack, Sanchit gets a through ball runs forward cuts back for Rinaldo whose shot is saved by Kalina Keeper.

At the other end, Kalina Rangers CFF pull one back – Shoiab dribbled past couple of player before giving a through ball to Sachin inside the box, whose shot beats keeper to find net. Moments later, Kalina were back on level terms as an attack from the left saw Seaon Dsouza finds space to cross into the box where Henderson heads home the equalizer to make it 3-3 sending the Kalina fans into frenzy.

In the dying moments of the game, Oranje tried to finish strong winning back to back Corners but failed to find the winning goal as the game came to an end at 3-3 and both sides had to share the spoils.

In a tale of contrasting finishing, Maharashtra Oranje FC showcased creativity and dominance but paid the price for missed chances. Kalina Rangers CFF, with clinical finishing, secured a draw despite limited opportunities, making this Mumbai Premier League clash a truly unforgettable spectacle.

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