Harwood Champions League: ICL’s epic 4-3 comeback & RFYC’s win over Kalina Rangers seal Semifinal berths

by FC September 30, 2024

ICL pulled off a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down to beat Mumbai Customs 4-3, while RF Young Champs delivered a commanding first-half performance to defeat Kalina Rangers 3-1.

A thrilling set of matches yesterday at the Cooperage Stadium saw ICL Mumbai and RF Young Champs book their places in the semifinals.

Mumbai Customs vs ICL Mumbai

With nothing to lose for Mumbai Customs and everything on the line for ICL Mumbai, this match promised to be a spectacle. The game burst into life in just the second minute when Customs’ Titus delivered a sublime lobbed pass from midfield to Kunal Bavdane. With a defender chasing him, Kunal held his nerve and drilled a shot into the bottom left corner. The ICL keeper managed to get a hand to it, but the power was too much to keep out. This early goal set the tone, as Mumbai Customs added two more before half-time, putting ICL under immense pressure.

Despite being 3-0 down, ICL Mumbai displayed incredible team work. Leading the charge was the tournament’s top scorer, Sandeep Manoharan, who spearheaded the comeback. His clinical finishing brought ICL back into the game, and with some efforts, they managed to overturn the deficit with four unanswered goals, completing a dramatic comeback in the campaign.

Full-Time: Mumbai Customs 3-4 ICL Mumbai

Kalina Rangers vs RF Young Champs

Before the match, both teams made their intentions clear: they were determined to secure a spot in the semifinals. A win was essential for both sides. The spirited young champs took control, delivering an impressive first-half performance that ultimately led to a convincing 3-1 victory over Kalina Rangers.

RF Young Champs struck early in the game, with a well-paced corner from ZoHal into the penalty area. Kalina’s Gaurav Amba missed his clearance, and the ball fell perfectly for Vanlal, who powered a header into the back of the net, leaving the Kalina goalkeeper with a fraction of chance.

As the game progressed, RFYC continued to exploit aerial opportunities. A lofted ball from midfield found Sana at the edge of the box, whose deft first touch bypassed Shabaz . Driving forward, he squared the ball to Ansh, who calmly tapped it in to double their lead.

Just before half-time, Young Champs struck again. K. Konthoujam broke down the right flank, delivering a minus to Vanlal, who expertly laid it off to Ansh. In turn, Ansh set up Sana, who curled a beautiful shot into the top corner, beyond the outstretched arms of Scott Moraes.

Kalina Rangers managed to pull one back through Ajinkya in the dying minutes, but it was too little, too late as the Young Champs secured their place in the semifinals.

Full-Time: RF Young Champs 3-1 Kalina Rangers

With these results, RF Young Champs finished top of Group B with 7 points, followed by ICL Mumbai with 6 points. Attention now turns to the final matchday of Group A, where MH Oranje, already confirmed for the semifinals, will aim to maintain their perfect record. Meanwhile, Hope United and Bank of Baroda are vying for the remaining semifinal spot, with Millat FC looking to end their campaign on a high note.

Also Read: MH Oranje FC storm into Semi-Finals with 5-0 rout over BoB in Harwood Champions League

Also Read: Harwood Champions League: Kamie and Khatib shine as Oranje FC defeat Millat FC 2-0

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