Garv Pahuja’s Decisive Goal Seals Victory for Mumbai Strikers Against Rudra FC

by FC September 12, 2024

Mumbai Strikers began their Mumbai Super League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Rudra FC. The only goal of the match came from Garv Pahuja early in the second half, proving decisive in a closely contested encounter.

In their first match of the season, Mumbai Strikers showed fine attacking intent. The Strikers’ experienced stopper, Ravish, delivered a precise chip over the defensive line, allowing Garv Pahuja to challenge the onrushing keeper. Although Pahuja managed to steal the ball and score, the effort was ruled offside. Moments later, Garv on his own efforts released a blistering shot to the top right corner, but Rudra’s goalkeeper, Raza, made a crucial save.

Midfielder No. 7 also demonstrated his skills in the middle of the park, maneuvering past several defenders to take a long-range shot, which was again thwarted by Raza.

The first half saw Mumbai Strikers dominate possession, with Rudra FC struggling due to their limited squad—only one player available on the bench—forcing them to rely on quick counter-attacks.

Mumbai Strikers came out with renewed energy in the early minutes of the second half. Garv Pahuja, who had been a constant threat throughout the first half, finally found his breakthrough. A perfectly delivered cross from captain Ankush on the right flank found Pahuja, who converted with a simple tap-in to put Strikers ahead.

Garv almost doubled the lead shortly afterward. Receiving a pass on the right edge of the box, he made a swift move into the area and attempted a near-post shot, but Raza once again pulled off a vital save.

As the match progressed, Rudra FC began to pose a greater threat to the Strikers goal. They intercepted passes and launched counter-attacks, with No. 23 being their center of every attack, skillfully dribbling at the edge of the box but failing to take a decisive shot.

Mumbai Strikers continued their aggressive approach, with players confidently taking long-range shots. Substitute No. 13, making an impact after coming onto the field, fired a powerful shot that sailed over the bar.

Rudra FC’s No. 23 came close to equalizing when he almost capitalized on a defensive error but missed the target. Mumbai Strikers also had their share of missed opportunities. No. 12 failed to convert a sliding tap-in after No. 13 had delivered a perfect pass to the far post.

In the closing moments, Rudra’s captain delivered a dangerous cross to the far post, but No. 23, unmarked, missed a golden chance with a header that went over the bar.

The match concluded with a narrow 1-0 victory for Mumbai Strikers, who will look to build on this win as they face Oranje FC – Atletico FC on September 19. Meanwhile, Rudra FC will aim to secure their first points of the season against FSI on September 18.

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Also Read: MH Oranje FC’s I-League 3 Journey Ends in Disappointment

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