Torrential Tussle: India on Track trumps Mumbai Soccer Prodigies in rain-drenched clash
The MFA Super League witnessed a unique showdown as Mumbai Soccer Prodigies (MSP) locked horns with India on Track (IoT) amidst a relentless downpour.
From the outset, it was evident that the relentless rain would play a significant role in shaping the game. The pitch, inundated with water, made the ball’s movement sluggish, leading to a scrappy start as both teams adapted to the unusual circumstances.
Close Call for MSP: An Early Free Kick Drama
The first significant chance of the match arrived in the 12th minute when MSP won a free kick in the opponent’s half. Vinay Kondamuri’s high-arching delivery into the box was inadvertently headed towards his own goal by an IoT defender. Fortunately for them, the ball ricocheted off the upright, leaving the scoreline unaltered at 0-0.
The Rain Factor: Waterlogged Pitch Tests Players
As the rain continued to pour, the waterlogged pitch became a challenging obstacle for players. IoT had a couple of promising moments, including free-kick opportunities from outside the box, but they failed to truly test MSP’s vigilant goalkeeper. At the other end for Mumbai Soccer Prodigies, Nitesh Aswani found himself with a shooting chance, but his effort from just outside the box veered wide of the target.
IoT Breaks the Deadlock: Laitonjam Meetai’s Clinical Finish
IoT eventually managed to break the deadlock with a swift counterattack. Nathan Branganza’s through ball pierced the MSP defense, finding Laitonjam Meetai on the right. Meetai, with composure, entered the box and placed the ball precisely past the MSP keeper, making it 1-0. In the lead-up to half-time, IoT’s Nathan Branganza orchestrated a move that resulted in a chance for his striking partner, Saurabh Nikkam. However, Nikkam’s first-time effort was thwarted by a vigilant MSP defender.
Second half: MSP continues to create chance, IoT doubles the lead
Early in the second half, MSP came tantalizingly close to leveling the score as Varad Parab’s header from close range sailed over the crossbar. Around the hour mark, IoT’s Anurag PC embarked on a rapid run down the wings, cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot on target. However, a remarkable save by MSP’s goalkeeper, Shreyans Chaplot, denied IoT a second goal.
As the relentless rain continued to pour, IoT’s Joshua Dsouza received a second yellow card for a foul on an MSP midfielder, leading to his expulsion from the match. In the 74th minute, Sebastin Almedia put the game beyond doubt for IoT. He calmly finished off another brilliant run by an IoT player, tapping the ball into the net. Despite MSP’s best efforts, the slippery conditions hampered their attempts to find their rhythm.
Nihal goes close but fails to find the net
MSP had late chances to reduce the deficit, but they were left frustrated due to their profligacy. In one instance, Maanav Varanasi set Gaurav Adhikari through on goal, the striker beats the keeper before cutting the ball across for Nihal, who narrowly missed the target. In another opportunity, Shubham set Nihal free on goal, but his shot from a tight angle sailed just above the crossbar.
In the dying moments of the game, Nihal attempted a free kick from 30 yards out, seeking to pull one back for MSP. However, IoT’s alert goalkeeper, Anish Chetty, produced a diving save to preserve his clean sheet.
In the dying moments of the game, Nihal attempted a free kick from 30 yards out, seeking to pull one back for MSP. However, IoT’s alert goalkeeper, Anish Chetty, produced a diving save to preserve his clean sheet.
As the referee’s final whistle echoed through the rain-soaked stadium, IoT emerged as the victors with a score of 2-0. Despite the challenging conditions, both teams displayed unwavering spirit and determination throughout the match.
Coach Rathod’s Positive Outlook
After the game, MSP’s Head coach, Ashutosh Rathod, remained optimistic, saying, “We had a good start as we had planned and had a good control on the game, but the rains had different plans. We had to play a very different game than our regular style of play due to waterlogging, and it didn’t work great for us. Kudos to IoT; the boys showed some grit, rose up to the occasion and won the game. I know my lads really well, and I am sure we will be coming back stronger.”
Furthermore, Ashutosh believes he has the strongest unit together in the league, “It’s a unique set of players that I have and possibly the strongest unit together in the division. It’s a long season, so we have a lot to achieve, and we will not lose the grip on our goals.”
The match might be remembered for the rain-drenched battle, but it also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of both teams in the face of adversity.
Also Read: Penalty heartbreak for India after 2-2 draw against Iraq in King’s Cup Semis
Also Read: Mumbai Marines FC look to continue their winning start to the season
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced Maharashtra State U-20 Men’s Football Team which will participate in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship to be…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC finish runner-up in Mumbai Premier League
Aimar Adam’s second-half brace secures MH Oranje FC a 2-0 win over MIllat as they finish Runner-Up of Mumbai Premier League 2023-24 season. In a closely contested match in the…
Subrata Pal: The playing standard of the Reliance Foundation Development League has improved with every passing year
Anticipation mounts as Reliance Foundation Development League 2023-24 semi-finalists set the stage for the National Championship – Mumbai, May 6, 2024: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 gears up for…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
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…