Soccer XI FC and India on Track FC share honors in a 1-1 draw

by Chittu Shetty October 17, 2023

In a closely contested encounter in the Mumbai Super League, Soccer XI FC and India on Track FC battled to a 1-1 draw, with Saurabh Nikam’s penalty cancelling out Yash Kansara’s strike.

First Half Drama:

The initial excitement came from Soccer XI FC when Vishal’s free-kick from outside the box tested the skills of IOT’s goalkeeper Anish Chetty. Meanwhile, IOT’s Sebastin Almeida orchestrated a run on the left wing, setting up Mohammed Asik, whose curled shot narrowly missed the target.

Around the half-hour mark, Soccer XI FC came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock as a cross from the right wing met a well-directed header, only for the ball to rebound off the crossbar. Asik continued to be a threat, providing an excellent opportunity for an onrushing midfielder, whose left-footed shot was expertly punched away by Soccer XI FC’s goalkeeper Ketan Kumar.

Yash Kansara’s Clinical Finish:

The opening goal of the game unfolded through a combination of skillful plays. A brilliant backheel pass followed by a quick through ball unlocked India on Track’s defense, allowing Yash Kansara to powerfully slot home, giving Soccer XI FC a 1-0 lead.

In a closely contested encounter in the Mumbai Super League, Soccer XI FC and India on Track FC battled to a 1-1 draw, with Saurabh Nikam's penalty cancelling out Yash Kansara's strike. — *_{Soccer XI players plead their case as referee calls penalty-kick during the game against India on Track}*

Second Half Action:

India on Track FC started the second half brightly, with skipper Rohan delivering a fantastic long ball over the Soccer XI FC defense. Saurabh Nikam pounced on it, but his final shot, under pressure, sailed just over the bar. Moments later, Rohan’s glancing header forced a save from the vigilant Soccer XI keeper.

In the 74th minute, Montu Dsouza received a yellow card for a rash challenge on Sanus KR, highlighting the intensity of the match. The drama continued in the 77th minute when a foul in the box earned IOT a penalty. Saurabh Nikam stepped up and confidently sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, leveling the score at 1-1.

IOT intensified their efforts in search of a winner, raising the tempo in the dying minutes. However, Soccer XI FC resiliently held their ground, and the game concluded with the score tied at 1-1.

With this result, India on Track FC maintains their position at the top of the Group F table with 13 points from 5 games. Tarun Sporting closely follows with 10 points from 4 games, while Mumbai City FC sits at 9 points from 3 games, eagerly chasing the frontrunners.

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