Bank of Baroda Secures Victory, While RFYC and Mumbai Customs Play Out a Stalemate

by FC September 22, 2024

In a tightly contested Harwood Champions Second Matchday, Bank of Baroda secured a 2-1 win over Hope United, propelled by Strike from Denzil Mascarenhas & Karan.While RFYC and Mumbai Customs shared the points in a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

Hope United Vs Bank Of Baroda

Hope United threatened first, just three minutes into the game. Skipper Aaron intercepted a pass from BoB’s defense and delivered a perfect cross near the 6-yard box, but Sunny Thakur squandered the opportunity, failing to convert with an open header.

Despite controlling possession for much of the first half, Hope United couldn’t capitalize, and it was Bank of Baroda who broke the deadlock. A costly error from Hope’s midfielder Shivam, under pressure from BoB, gifted Denzil Mascarenhas a chance on the edge of the box. Mascarenhas flicked the ball over the defender before deceiving Hope’s keeper with a clever fake shot, tapping the ball into an open net in the 27th minute to give BoB a 1-0 lead.

The second half saw Hope United pushing for an equalizer, with a quick counter-attack down the left flank leading to a dangerous ball inside BoB’s penalty area. However, BoB’s goalkeeper, Manav, remained solid, intercepting the cross to keep the scoreline intact.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, BoB doubled their lead, crushing Hope United’s comeback hopes. A beautiful build-up of passes saw BoB’s right winger break into the box before squaring the ball to Karan Waghmare, who arrived behind the defenders to slot home his second goal of the match.

As time ran out, Hope United threw everything forward in search of a goal. Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when striker Sunny Thakur volleyed in from inside the penalty area after a long ball from Shivansh. However, it was too little, too late, as the final whistle blew, securing Bank of Baroda’s first victory of the campaign.

FT: Hope United 1-2 Bank Of Baroda

RFYC vs. Mumbai Customs

The second fixture of the day saw Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) and Mumbai Customs battle to a goalless draw. Despite the stark age difference between the youthful RFYC squad and the more experienced Mumbai Customs, both teams fought hard, proving that football is all about performance on the pitch.

RFYC started the match on the front foot, confidently moving the ball around and creating chances early on. In the first minute, the young champs entered the Customs’ penalty area but were denied by the keeper. Minutes later, Lalmuanpuia missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring, sending his shot wide from close range.

Mumbai Customs nearly took the lead in the 12th minute when RFYC’s Shallin Melathh gave away possession. Nazeef pounced on the mistake and found himself one-on-one with the RFYC goalkeeper, who made a crucial save with his legs to keep the score level.

For most of the first half, RFYC dominated possession, but the experienced Customs defense held firm, frustrating the young champs.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with RFYC continuing to press but struggling to break through. The match heated up in the final 10 minutes, as both teams became increasingly physical in their attempts to secure all three points.

RFYC came closest to breaking the deadlock when Ansh Tembulkar’s header nearly caught the Customs keeper off guard. The ball appeared to be heading into the net, but it deflected off the post and into the grateful arms of the keeper.

In the final moments, a chaotic scramble in the Customs penalty area almost gifted RFYC a winner, but the defense managed to clear the danger. The referee’s whistle blew soon after, and both teams had to settle for a point.

FT: RFYC 0-0 Mumbai Customs

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