Harwood Champions League opens with an 8-goal thriller as ICL defeats Kalina Rangers 5-3

by Chittu Shetty September 21, 2024

The Harwood Champions League kicked off in spectacular fashion, as ICL triumphed over Kalina Rangers 5-3 in an action-packed match. Sandeep’s stunning hat-trick for ICL stole the show.

Kalina Rangers came out strong from the very beginning. Within the first five minutes, Siddharth the new signing of Kalina won a penalty after a promising run. Seon stepped up to the spot and calmly placed the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Kalina the early advantage.

Kalina continued their aggressive approach. A long free-kick from Johnson found Gaurav Amba, who chested the ball down into the path of Siddharth. However, Siddharth couldn’t find the target as his shot went wide.

ICL had their share of chances but struggled to capitalize in the first half. They were caught offside multiple times, and when their no. 14 found himself 1-on-1 with Kalina’s goalkeeper Scott, the chance was wasted, thanks to Scott’s quick thinking.

However, ICL’s persistence finally paid off. A smooth sequence of passes set up No. 15 on the right flank, who delivered a dangerous cross into the box. The ICL striker Sandeep rose high and hammered home a powerful header, leveling the score at 1-1.

ICL Takes Control of the game Just before halftime, they took the lead. No. 16 drove down the left wing, made a darting run into the box, and laid off a perfect pass to the striker Sandeep, who calmly tapped it in from close range in a crowded penalty area.

Kalina Rangers came out swinging in the second half, with Sohaib coming inches away from leveling the score. His shot from the edge of the box hit the post and deflected out, keeping ICL’s lead intact. Despite Kalina’s bright start, it was ICL who found the back of the net once again. Sandeep, in red-hot form, completed his hat trick with a well-taken shot from outside the box, making it 3-1.

Kalina wasn’t ready to give up just yet. A fresh substitute had an immediate impact, and Sohaib, who had been dangerous all game, delivered a perfect low cross into the box. Henderson finished it with a composed first touch, bringing Kalina back into the game at 3-2.

However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed. ICL pounced on a defensive error by Kalina, allowing No. 14 to slot home their fourth goal. As the clock ticked down, ICL added yet another goal after another defensive scramble. No. 20, coming up from the back, capitalized on the confusion and scored, sealing the victory for ICL.

Kalina did manage to pull one back in the dying moments, as substitute Pandey received the ball on the left flank and tapped it in from close range. But it was too little too late, as ICL ran out 5-3 winners in this thrilling contest.

– Pic Courtesy Kalina Rangers Media

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