Harwood Champions League: Kamie and Khatib shine as Oranje FC defeat Millat FC 2-0

by Chittu Shetty September 25, 2024

Oranje FC kicked off their Harwood Champions League campaign in style, securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Millat FC.

Both wingers, Kamie and Mohd Khatib, shone brightly, each contributing a goal to Oranje’s triumph in a tense encounter. The game began with Millat FC pressing high and nearly capitalizing on an early mistake. Within the opening minute, Oranje’s midfielder Hersh misplaced a pass, gifting Millat’s Tausif a chance. However, Tausif’s ambitious shot from distance flew harmlessly wide of the post, sparing Oranje an early scare.

Oranje gradually found their rhythm, controlling possession and building dangerous attacks. In a matter of minutes, the match swung in their favor. Veteran midfielder Nitesh Monde earned a free kick just outside the box, but his well-struck attempt was expertly saved by Millat’s goalkeeper.

Oranje kept the pressure on, and their persistence paid off shortly after. Khatib delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left wing, finding Kamie at the far post. Rising high above the defenders, Kamie powered a bullet header into the back of the net, giving Oranje a deserved lead.

Millat FC responded with a couple of promising chances of their own. Tausif, who had been a constant threat, received a pass inside the box and attempted a stepover to beat his marker, but Oranje’s skipper, Manish, made a crucial clearance. Moments later, Millat’s Alok Chauhan unleashed a thunderous strike from the center of the pitch, only for the ball to rattle the woodwork.

The second half saw Oranje firmly in control, dictating the pace and creating numerous opportunities. Just two minutes in, Kamie, looking to add to his tally, launched a speculative shot from range, but the ball drifted narrowly wide.

The breakthrough for Oranje came in the 60th minute when captain Manish intercepted a loose pass at the halfway line. He swiftly fed the ball to Khatib, who found himself unmarked on the edge of the box. With composure, Khatib drilled a low shot into the bottom left corner, doubling Oranje’s advantage.

Khatib continued to torment Millat’s defense, coming close again when his low drive from the edge of the box was well-saved by the goalkeeper. Oranje were relentless in their pursuit of a third goal, but fortune did not favor them as they struck the woodwork twice in quick succession. First, Khatib’s effort from a Kuvaio pass clattered off the post, and then Jayesh Kurup’s thunderous shot from distance met the same fate, hitting the side of the bar.

The match took a dramatic turn in the final minutes when Jayesh Kurup received his second yellow card, leaving Oranje to finish the game with ten men. The intensity ramped up as both benches grew vocal, and the fans rallied behind their teams. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Oranje defended resolutely, parking the bus to protect their lead and ultimately secure all three points.

With this victory, Oranje FC opened their Harwood League campaign on a high note, earning a well-deserved win and establishing early momentum in the competition.

– Photo Credit MFA Media Page

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