MYJ GMSC roar back against Dalbir FA with a crucial win to keep 3rd place hopes alive

by Chittu Shetty October 2, 2024

The Mighty Lions have had a challenging start to their I-League 3 playoff round campaign, suffering losses in their opening two fixtures. However, a spirited performance in their third match against Dalbir FA has kept their hopes of a third-place finish and a promotion spot for next season alive.

The campaign began on a disappointing note as MYJ GMSC faced Chanmari FC in their opening Group B fixture. Despite a determined effort, they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. In their second game against SAT Tirur, the Lions showed grit as they fought back to equalize after conceding early. With Himanshu Patil leading the charge, MYJ came close on multiple occasions, hitting the bar three times. Unfortunately, the search for a winning goal left them exposed at the back, and they conceded twice in injury time, resulting in a 3-1 loss.

A Much-Needed Victory Against Dalbir FA

Heading into their third match, MYJ GMSC needed a win to keep their hopes of a third-place finish alive. The Lions came out roaring against Dalbir FA, determined to turn their campaign around. It took just 90 seconds for them to make their mark. After an initial attack from the right was cleared by the Dalbir FA defense, Kamran Ansari showed great tenacity to win the ball back at the edge of the box. Driving into the box, Kamran set up Himanshu Patil, who coolly slotted it past the keeper to break the deadlock and give MYJ an early 1-0 lead.

Minutes later, Himanshu almost turned provider, sliding the ball forward for Siddharth on the right. Despite the tight angle, Siddharth managed to get his shot off, but a Dalbir defender intervened, deflecting it over the bar for a corner.

Dalbir FA responded with a few promising attacking moves of their own, mostly focusing on the left wing. During one counter-attacking opportunity, Dalbir’s Akash did well to enter the box and fire a shot, but the effort came back off the post, keeping MYJ’s lead intact.

As the game progressed, MYJ continued their attacking momentum. Pravin, operating on the left wing, delivered a fantastic cross into the box, finding Himanshu’s head. However, once again, the Lions were denied by the woodwork as the ball rattled off the crossbar, leaving the score at 1-0.

The second half began in a similar fashion, with MYJ coming out aggressively in search of another goal. Kamran Ansari had a long-range attempt that forced an impressive full-stretch diving save from the Dalbir FA goalkeeper.

At the other end, Dalbir FA was limited to long-range efforts, none of which tested MYJ’s goalkeeper, Paramjeet. As the match neared its conclusion, Shamer Swamy made a lung-busting run down the right wing, beating his marker and delivering a looping cross towards the far post. There, an unmarked Vidipt Dua headed the ball home, doubling MYJ’s lead and effectively sealing the game. The 2-0 victory has shown Mighty lions ability to bounce back under pressure.

The Road Ahead: A Decisive Final Fixture

Later in the day, Abbas Union FC held SAT Tirur to a 2-2 draw, effectively sealing the top two spots in Group B for Chanmari FC and SAT Tirur. However, the battle for the third spot is still alive, and it all comes down to the final round of matches.

With three points, MYJ GMSC currently sits in third place, just ahead of Abbas Union FC, who have two points from two draws. In the final game of the group stage, scheduled for October 3rd, MYJ GMSC will face Abbas Union. The Mighty Lions need just a draw to secure the third spot and ensure their promotion to the 2025-26 I-League 2.

The stage is set for a thrilling final encounter, with everything on the line. Can the Mighty Lions continue their resurgence and secure a place in the I-League 2? All eyes will be on them as they aim to complete their playoff journey on a high.

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