Mumbai Premier League: MH Oranje FC and IoT FC share the spoils in a fiery clash

by Chittu Shetty December 6, 2024

In the MPL encounter, MH Oranje FC and India On Track FC played out a 1-1 draw, a match highlighted by a second-half wonder strike from Mohd. Khatib and a clinical half-volley finish by substitute Shubham Dalvi.

The result extends IoT FC’s unbeaten run, while MH Oranje FC will rue missed opportunities that could have tilted the game in their favor.

Both teams entered the contest with differing trajectories. MH Oranje FC had just drawn their MFA Nadkarni Cup clash against MYJ-GMSC, leaving them searching for their rhythm. In contrast, IoT FC carried the momentum of a dominant 3-0 league win over Iron Born FC, where Saurabh and Hafiz starred with decisive strikes.

The first half was relatively uneventful and straightforward. MH Oranje FC controlled possession for the majority of the period, comfortably moving the ball around. However, one noticeable flaw in their play was a lack of patience during the ball rotation. After a few consecutive passes, players often opted for direct long balls over IoT FC’s defensive line, disrupting the rhythm and breaking their attacking momentum.

Meanwhile, IoT FC were content to deal with the aerial balls coming their way, as their three central defenders—captain Nishant, Kaif, and Yash—easily dominated the aerial duels. Their work allowed them to launch swift counter-attacks.

IoT’s defensive setup, with a five-man backline and two fullbacks frequently pushing forward, provided them with the necessary width and support to exploit spaces on the break.

IoT’s Adhithyan attempted to deliver crosses from the right flank, but Oranje’s goalkeeper Mukunthan was alert and dealt with them confidently, claiming the ball with ease. IoT’s guardian, Vansh, also made a crucial intervention when Kuvaio and Kamie exchanged passes, with Kamie threading a perfectly timed ball to fullback Atharva. Vansh rushed off his line to deny Oranje the opening goal, making a vital clearance. As a result, both teams went into the break with the score tied at 0-0.

MH Oranje started the second half with the same intent, maintaining possession and frustrating IoT’s defensive line. However, they continued to struggle with breaking through into the final third with precision. Oranje were almost handed a goal when a loose backpass from IoT’s stopper, Kaif Khan, to goalkeeper Vansh was intercepted by Kamie, who looked to pounce on the mistake. However, Vansh reacted quickly, denying Kamie’s effort with a timely clearance and keeping the score level.

The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute. IoT’s head coach made a key substitution, bringing on Shubham Dalvi, who immediately made an impact. Midfielder Hafiz Pathan surged deep into Oranje’s half, threading a precise pass to Jayraj. However, Jayraj quickly lost possession to Sahil Bhokare, who then passed it to skipper Manish Siddha. Manish, casually dribbling through the center, was pressed hard by Jayraj, who won the ball back. Saurabh pounced on the second ball and delivered a perfect cross to the far post, where Shubham, unmarked and with plenty of time, volleyed the ball into the net to score the opener.

The dynamics of the game shifted following the goal, as IoT began to assert more pressure in Oranje’s half. Hafiz Pathan unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but Oranje’s defense stood firm and blocked the effort. Moments later, Piyush took another crack at goal, but his attempt was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mukunthan, keeping Oranje’s hopes alive.

However, IoT’s lifeline was short-lived as MH Oranje found the equalizer with a stunning goal from Mohd Khatib in the 81st minute. Midfield maestro Nitesh Monde delivered a perfectly weighted threaded pass down the right flank, meeting Khatib’s well-timed run. As Khatib surged toward the edge of the box, he struck a brilliant one-touch shot that sailed into the top left corner, leaving IoT’s keeper no chance. The game was suddenly alive again, with the score level at 1-1.

The late drama nearly saw IoT’s unbeaten streak come to an end. Pratham received a through pass inside the 6-yard box and, instead of taking the shot, he attempted to glide the ball to the far post. However, the ball sailed into no-man’s land, with neither teammate able to capitalize on the opportunity. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both sides with a point.

As it stands in Group B, IoT remain unbeaten in their four fixtures, currently sitting in second place, while MH Oranje FC occupy 6th place with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Next up, IoT will face Bombay Gymkhana FC on the 16th, while MH Oranje will take on Mumbay FC on the 7th for the semifinal spot of the Nadkarni Cup.

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