Mathew’s stunning free-kick helps AUA FC secure draw against ARA FC

by Chittu Shetty March 26, 2023

An Inspired 2nd half performance helped AUA FC overcome a goal deficit at the break to level the game at full time, walking away with a point and the unbeaten record intact.

Ambernath United Atlanta FC (AUA FC) and ARA FC locked horns at the Cooperage stadium in Mumbai for their I-League 2nd Division group match. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with ARA FC maintaining their top position in the group with 7 points from 3 games, while AUA FC are second with 4 points from 2 games.

In the first half, ARA FC dominated the game and created several scoring opportunities. However, AUA FC’s defense and goalkeeper Rahul Murali put up a brilliant performance to deny them on a number of occasions. However the continued pressure from ARA eventually paid off as in the second minute of first half’s added time, star Striker Naro Shrestha broke the offside line before shooting past the onrushing keeper to the left corner of the net to put his side in lead going into the break

In the second half, Steven Dias’s side came out with renewed vigor along with a change in formation and tactic as Aaron D Costa replaced Mandeep to boost the midfield and open up attacking options. The home side started to gain momentum with a few good attacking moves, but ARA FC’s defense stood strong to keep them at bay.

However, AUA FC’s persistence paid off when they won a free-kick just outside the box on the right side. Johnson Mathew stepped up and scored a stunning lobbed shot that went over the keeper and dipped at the right moment to sneak into the net, equalizing the scoreline and lifting the home crowd’s spirits. The freekick goal would have made Head Coach Steven Dias proud who was once known for the same.

The goal gave AUA FC the confidence to push for the winner, and they came close to scoring right at the end when Himanshu Patil made a run toward the goal with just the goalkeeper to beat. However, ARA FC’s keeper Sangramjit Chowdhury came off his line and denied Himanshu’s goal-bound shot, keeping the scores level.

The final moments of the match saw some end-to-end football as both teams went for the winner, but the game ended in a 1-1 draw, with a point for each team. ARA FC remains at the top of the group with 7 points, while AUA FC is second with 4 points from 2 games.

Overall, it was an exciting match that showcased both teams’ ability to challenge for the top spot. ARA FC dominated the first half, while AUA FC dominated the second, making it a well-deserved draw for both teams.

FT: Ambernath United Atlanta FC (Johnson Mathews 79′) 1 – 1 ARA FC (Naro Shrestha 45+2′)

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