MH Oranje FC Reclaims Form with a Gritty Win Over ICL Mumbai in the MPL

by FC November 1, 2024

After a rocky start to their Mumbai Premier League campaign, MH Oranje FC finally returned to form, clinching their first three points with a gritty win over ICL Mumbai.

This victory carried revenge as it allowed MH Oranje to avenge their heavy loss in the Harwood Champions League semifinals against ICL. With a string of early setbacks behind them, MH Oranje seemed rejuvenated, their sights set on proving themselves.

Despite entering the MPL as strong favorites, MH Oranje FC’s season began with setbacks, losing narrowly to Hope United in the opener and falling short against newcomers Mumbay FC in their second match. Oranje’s high-scoring attack, which had dazzled in the last season’s Mumbai Premier League and earlier in the Harwood Champions League, struggled to find its rhythm. But a late strike in the second half by Yogesh Kadam helped Oranje to claim the first three points in MPL 2024-25.

MH Oranje entered the match focused and eager to break their scoring drought, but the first half proved a battle of defenses. At the 10-minute mark, Oranje created their first real opportunity with a meticulously built-up play. Nitesh Monde received the final pass on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot, but ICL’s goalkeeper reacted swiftly, deflecting it out of danger.

ICL’s counterattacks were quick, though Oranje’s backline, strengthened by the return of their captain, held firm to keep the match scoreless.

The second half saw Oranje pressing forward, with Experienced Nitesh Monde once again leading the charge. At the 65th minute, he found Kuvaio with a precise cross inside the box. Kuvaio controlled the ball and laid it off to Khatib, who fired a low drive aimed for the bottom corner, only for ICL’s keeper to make another crucial save. The close call energized Oranje, who upped the tempo and repeatedly tested ICL’s defensive line.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute in a dramatic sequence of events. Nitesh Monde’s perfectly weighted free-kick to the far post was initially headed on target by Yogesh Kadam, forcing the goalkeeper into action once again. In the ensuing chaos, the ball fell to Kuvaio, who headed it goalward, but an ICL defender managed a clearance off the line. The ball ricocheted to Dhananjay, whose quick header was blocked, and then it found its way to substitute Yogesh Kadam, who, with composure and power, volleyed it into the top right corner. The shot left the goalkeeper no chance and finally put Oranje in the lead.

ICL attempted to retaliate, with Zeeshan Akhtar coming close to equalizing. A scramble in Oranje’s box set Akhtar up for a powerful strike from distance, but his effort struck the crossbar, inches away from tying the game. Despite the scare, MH Oranje held their ground, emerging with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

Brief Score:

• MH Oranje FC Yogesh Kadam (73′) 1-0 ICL Mumbai

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