Sujal, Jay star with goals as MYJ-GMSC edge past Kalina Rangers

by Chittu Shetty April 4, 2024

Sujal, Jay’s late goals help MYJ-GMSC to earn a brilliant come from behind win over fellow title contenders Kalina Rangers in yesterday’s Mumbai Premier League showdown

In a much-awaited showdown between Kalina Rangers CFF and MYJ-GMSC in the Mumbai Premier League, the match certainly lived up to the pre-game hype. As the top two teams on the table, the stakes couldn’t have been higher, and both sides were keen to assert their dominance from the opening whistle.

Kalina Rangers initiated proceedings with the kickoff, setting the tone for an evenly matched contest. Dhurwesh Nijap, Tejas Raut and Kamlesh were rock solid at the back for the Mighty Lions to negate the attacking threat of Kalina’s Shoiab Baig.

At the other end, Jay Bhavnani of MYJ-GMSC made his intentions clear with a fierce shot, signaling his team’s intent to seize control of the game. Despite the relentless attacks from MYJ-GMSC, Kalina Rangers exhibited resilience and composure, thwarting their opponents’ advances with determined defense.

In the 40th minute, a clash between Kalina’s Keeper Scott and MYJGMSC’s Tanmay resulted in a penalty being awarded for the latter. Jay Bhavnani stepped up to the spot with a chance to put his team ahead, but his shot veered off target, as the deadlock remained unbroken.

Both teams headed to the halftime break with the scoreline still level, setting the stage for an intriguing second half as they vied for supremacy on the field.

As the second half commenced, MYJGMSC started strong with couple of early chances. Dipu’s introduction into the game created few hiccups in Kalina Rangers defence however Scott Moraes and co held strong to deny him the goals. At the other end, Kalina Rangers’s striker pushed forward too but struggled to break the deadlock, facing staunch resistance from MYJ-GMSC’s defense.

For the Mighty lions, Swamy went close attempting a long-range shot, only to be denied by Kalina’s vigilant goalkeeper, Scott Moraes, who pulled off yet another impressive save. However, fortunes quickly shifted and Kalina started getting deep into the game, Shoaib’s relentless pursuit in the attack forced an error from one of the defenders, inadvertently causing them to concede an own goal, offering Kalina Rangers the lead in the game.

Nevertheless, MYJ-GMSC swiftly retaliated, Shamer Swamy’s delivery from the right was brought down by Manuel inside the box where an unmarked Jay Bhavnani seizing the golden opportunity slotted home the equalizer, making amends to his earlier missed penalty. At 1-1 the game was once again evenly poised as the game entered its final phase. With both teams fiercely contesting for the top spot in the league table, the stakes were higher than ever.

As the clock ticked down, Sujal Ghaneker, seized an opportunity to turn the tide in his team’s favor. Pressing forward with relentless tenacity, he intercepted a clearance from a Kalina defender, sparking a surge of momentum for MYJ-GMSC. Sujal deftly laid the ball off to Manuel at the edge of the box, who sensing the opportunity, lofted a perfectly weighted chip pass, over the defense for Sujal. The latter had continued his forward momentum. Sujal met the incoming pass with pinpoint accuracy, maintaining his balance despite the pressure from the defense before guiding the ball past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper and into the back of the net sending the fans into frenzy.

In the final few seconds of the game, Dhurwesh Nijap was shown a second yellow card of the game following a foul on Kalina forward. The defender would miss the next game against Iron Born.

With the final whistle blowing, MYJ-GMSC emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, propelling them to the summit of the league standings with 34 points, solidifying their position as the team to beat.

Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of Indian Super League (ISL).

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