Saurabh & Pratham strike as Maharashtra Oranje FC secures 2-2 draw against Sesa FA in I-League 3 opener

by FC Admin September 3, 2024

A stunning late free-kick goal by Clencio Pinto played spoilsport for MH Oranje FC as it rescued Sesa FA a point in today’s I League 3 Opener

History has a peculiar way of repeating itself, and MH Oranje FC seems to be caught in its cyclical grip. As they kicked off their I-League 3 campaign, a déjà vu moment arose. Just like their opening match of last season in I-League 2 against another Goan side Dempo Side, the script was eerily familiar—a 2-2 draw.

Once again, MH Oranje FC conceded a stunning second goal that left their goalkeeper, Mukund, completely bewildered. However, the match also saw new signing Saurabh Sharma announce his arrival with a goal, while young striker Pratham Ghatnur came off the bench to find the net.

Sesa FA, the host of Group B, inaugurated the I-League 3 campaign at the Dempo Academy Ground with the opening fixture, against Maharashtra Oranje FC. Maharashtra Oranje FC’s starting XI featured six players retained from the previous season and five new additions. As the home team, Sesa FA asserted their dominance during the initial phase of the match against Maharashtra Oranje FC.

From early on the threat to Oranje’s goal was evident from the start, but Sesa FA squandered 2-3 clear chances.The breakthrough came when Sesa’s Beckham made a decisive run down the left flank, cutting the ball back to the penalty spot where Savlon, unmarked, unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the bottom corner. With three Oranje defenders caught out of position, Savlon’s strike left Mukund with no chance.

MH Oranje, determined to recover from the early deficit, began to build some momentum as their players started moving the ball fluidly—a style they are well-known for. However, unlike Sesa FA, MH Oranje struggled to execute their passes effectively in the final third. In contrast, Sesa FA demonstrated greater precision and cleverness in their attacking play.

However, in the dying moments of the first half, Oranje began to threaten more from set-pieces. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when right-back Danish Shetty delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Saurabh Sharma, towering above the Sesa defenders, directed a powerful header into the net, bringing Oranje level and shifting the momentum.

The second half saw MH Oranje FC come out with renewed energy. Kamie, who had been a constant threat on the left flank, was substituted at the break due to an early booking, with Khatib replacing him. Duane was also subbed off for Pratham Ghatnur, a change that would prove impactful.

In the 61st minute, a defensive error from Sesa FA allowed Nitesh Monde to intercept the ball and thread a perfectly weighted pass to Pratham on the left edge of the box. Pratham took a deft touch to set himself up before unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike that curled into the far bottom corner, leaving the Sesa keeper rooted to the spot. The goal sparked jubilation among the Oranje players.

As the game progressed, heavy rain began to pour, turning the pitch into a quagmire. The deteriorating conditions forced both teams to rely more on aerial play. Despite the challenging circumstances, MH Oranje looked to be heading towards a hard-fought victory.

However, Sesa FA had other plans. In the 90th minute, experienced midfielder Clencio Pinto stepped up to take a freekick from the left flank. As the rain hammered down, Clencio struck the ball with pinpoint accuracy, sending it arching towards the top right corner. Mukund, perhaps caught off guard by the ball’s trajectory, misjudged the flight, and the ball sailed just over his outstretched hand and into the net. The late equalizer snatched victory away from MH Oranje and secured a point for Sesa FA.

Goa experienced intense rainfall, leaving the Dempo Academy Ground waterlogged with patches of standing water. While the players managed to complete the match, concerns arose about the pitch’s condition for the upcoming fixtures. With two more matches scheduled after just a day’s rest, the ground is expected to worsen, echoing the situation in the ongoing Bhausaheb Bandodkar Tournament, where a match had to be shifted to an artificial pitch due to similar conditions. Interesting to see if there will be similar treatment for the Group B matches of I-League 3 also.

– Picture Credit MH Oranje FC

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Also Read: Kartik Bele & Amol Jadhav Lead Symbians FC to Debut Win in Mumbai Super League

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