Kenkre FC’s Rollercoaster Ride: Crucial Win Sets Up Tense Qualification Battle

by FC September 11, 2024

In the tumultuous landscape of I-League 3 Campaign, Kenkre FC’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride—a tale woven with cherishing young prospects and their grit.

After a disheartening start to their campaign against Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, where their early lead dissolved into a 3-1 defeat, Kenkre FC faced their next test against Jaipur Elite FC. The young squad, guided by the experience of Arvind Raj Rajan, knew they had to shake off the shadows of their opening loss. But what unfolded on Matchday 2 was another thrilling chapter that would test this young squad mettle.

Falling behind early in the first half, Kenkre FC seemed to be heading for another setback until a moment of inspiration from Arvind Raj Rajan sparked a comeback. Yet, as the clock ticked down, Jaipur Elite snatched the lead again, seemingly sealing Kenkre’s fate. It was then, in the dying embers of the game, that the young stars of Kenkre FC truly shone. Thotkadhar Zimik’s stunning volley in the 87th minute ignited a spark, and moments later, his exquisite through ball allowed Prem Shinde to slot home the winning goal, completing a remarkable turnaround.

This momentum carried them into Matchday 3, where Atharva Rewale’s late strike salvaged a crucial point against KLASA FC, keeping their hopes alive.Now, as they face Bhune FC in a do-or-die encounter on Matchday 4, Kenkre’s youthful prospects have nothing to lose and a little to gain.

Bhuna FC, sitting at the bottom of the table, came out with surprising energy, opening the scoring as early as the 3rd minute. Striker Mohan capitalized on a defensive lapse.in the 38th minute,The ever-reliable VS Zimik, Kenkre’s standout performer, equalized from the penalty spot after Bhuna FC brought down a Kenkre player inside the box.

The second half was a fiercely contested affair, Zimik threaded a beautiful pass to Hrishikesh Pandey at the edge of the box, who took a powerful shot into the top right corner, putting Kenkre ahead.Not long after, Zimik was on the scoresheet again, courtesy of a perfect through ball from Om Surve that met his run into the box. Mohan scored a brilliant brace, maneuvering past two Kenkre defenders to find the back of the net and reduce the deficit. However, Zimik and Hrishikesh’s strikes were enough to seal a crucial victory for Kenkre FC.

Qualification Scenarios for Kenkre FC:

Kenkre FC completed their group stage matches with a total of 7 points from 4 games, registering 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. The table dynamics, however, remain intriguing. KLASA FC currently tops the table with 7 points but has a game in hand, while the hosts, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, sit in third with 6 points from 3 games.

Scenarios for Kenkre FC to Qualify:

• For Kenkre FC to qualify for the next round:
  • Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC must lose their final game against Bhuna FC.
  • If Karbi Anglong loses, Kenkre FC will automatically qualify for the next round.
• If Karbi Anglong wins or draws against Bhuna FC:
  • Kenkre FC will be eliminated, regardless of the result in the KLASA FC match.

Bhuna FC, despite being at the bottom of the table, would need to pull off a significant upset against Karbi Anglong for Kenkre FC to advance.

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