Hemang Jadhav’s Late Penalty Double Rescues a Point for Young Guns India in Dramatic Opener

by Chittu Shetty September 14, 2024

Young Guns India kicked off their Mumbai Super League campaign with a nerve-stopping comeback, drawing 2-2 against Regal SF courtesy of Hemang Jadhav brace

In a match that had it all—intensity, penalties, and late drama, Hemang Jadhav emerged as the hero, converting two crucial penalties in the dying minutes to salvage a point for his team.

The game began with Regal Sports Foundation asserting their control over the match. From the opening whistle, they looked dangerous on the attack, constantly testing Young Guns India’s defense. It didn’t take long for their pressure to pay off. In the 20th minute, a miscommunication in the Young Guns India defense led to a penalty for Regal. Captain Rohan Chikale stepped up and confidently smashed the ball into the net, giving Regal an early 1-0 lead.

Despite going behind, Young Guns India seemed determined to bounce back. They mounted a series of attacks, especially down the right flank, where Shravan looked particularly threatening. A few promising chances went begging, including a golden opportunity where Shravan’s close-range shot was blocked by a Regal defender. The pressure was building, but Regal Sports Foundation had other plans.

Just eight minutes after their first goal, Regal doubled their advantage. Akhil Raj, with a burst of pace, broke through the defense and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, making it 2-0 in favor of Regal. However, the momentum began to shift when Regal’s defender Prasad Patade received his second yellow card of the match, reducing them to 10 men.

With a man advantage, Young Guns India came out for the second half with renewed vigor. They dominated possession and pinned Regal Sports Foundation back, looking to capitalize on the numerical superiority. But things quickly took an unexpected turn. Shravan, who had been instrumental for Young Guns throughout the match, received a red card, leaving both teams down to 10 men.

Even with the game finely balanced, Young Guns India refused to back down. They continued to probe, their persistence paying off in the 83rd minute when they were awarded a penalty. Hemang Jadhav, in a high-pressure situation, kept his composure and calmly slotted the ball into the right corner, halving the deficit and reigniting hope for his team.

The equalizer still seemed a distant possibility as the clock ticked towards the final whistle. But Young Guns India were relentless, pushing forward with everything they had. In stoppage time, the drama reached its peak when Regal Sports Foundation, under siege, conceded another penalty after a desperate challenge inside the box. Once again, Hemang Jadhav rose to the occasion. With ice in his veins, he dispatched the penalty in the 94th minute to complete an incredible comeback, bringing the score to 2-2.

Young Guns India will now turn their focus to their next match against Bombay YMCA, hoping to build on the momentum of this remarkable fightback. Meanwhile, Regal Sports Foundation, who have collected a win and a draw from their opening two fixtures, will look to regroup as they prepare to face Skorost United.

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