ICL Mumbai edge Reliance Foundation Young Champs in thrilling Harwood Champions League Final

by Chittu Shetty October 6, 2024

ICL Mumbai completed their fairytale run in the Harwood Champions League by defeating Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) in a dramatic final to lift the coveted title

The final, held at Cooperage Stadium, witnessed a clash of styles: ICL Mumbai, the masters of dramatic comebacks throughout the tournament, faced off against RFYC, a young side brimming with energy and pace. Both teams brought their A-game, and fans were treated to an exhilarating contest that went all the way to penalties.

First Half: Zehal’s Brilliance Puts RFYC Ahead

From the opening whistle, ICL Mumbai wasted no time in taking the game to RFYC, initiating two early attacks within the first 10 minutes. Ishaq’s powerful shot from the edge of the box was the first warning, followed by Subash’s ambitious lob attempt that narrowly missed, leaving the crowd buzzing.

It was RFYC, who acame the closest in the 19th minute when Lalmuanpuia received a perfectly weighted through pass and went through on goal. However, with a tight angle, his shot only found the side netting. The breakthrough finally came after the water break, courtesy of a brilliant solo effort from Zehal. He picked up a clearance at the edge of the box, skillfully slipped between two defenders, and smashed the ball into the far bottom corner to give RFYC a 1-0 lead.

Just before the half-time whistle, ICL almost pulled level. Samarth found space in midfield, and despite having other options ahead of him, unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that forced RFYC’s goalkeeper into a fine save, preserving their slender lead at the break.

Second Half: Ronik Singh’s Late Heroics for ICL

RFYC started the second half strongly, with Zehal once again at the center of the action. His creative play set up Konthoujam for a long-range attempt, but the shot sailed wide, giving ICL a chance to regroup.

ICL, known for their comebacks, almost found an equalizer in spectacular fashion. Substitute Pandey dribbled past defenders before laying the ball to Ronik Singh on the right flank. Singh’s teasing cross found Pandey again, but his header narrowly missed, flying inches over the bar.

With time running out, it seemed as though RFYC might just hold on, but ICL had other plans. In the dying minutes, a chaotic sequence in the box saw multiple players trying to get a shot away. RFYC’s defense managed to block an attempt, but the ball fell to Ronik Singh, who kept his composure and fired home to make it 1-1, sending the game to penalties.

Penalties: Arup Debnath’s Heroics Secure the Title

The penalty shootout was a tense affair, with both sides converting their opening penalties. With the score tied at 4-4 after five rounds with each goalkeeper pulling off one save, RFYC missed their sixth penalty as ICL goalkeeper Arup Debnath made a spectacular save to deny the taker. With the title on the line, Pandey stepped up for ICL and calmly converted his penalty, sealing a remarkable victory for his side.

A Tournament of Comebacks

ICL Mumbai’s victory was a fitting end to a tournament that had seen them pull off incredible comebacks time and time again. From recovering from 3-0 down to win 4-3 against Bank of Baroda in the group stage, to scoring twice in the final minutes to beat MH Oranje FC 3-2 in the semifinal, ICL showed tremendous character throughout the competition.

Their triumph in the final against a talented RFYC side capped off a memorable campaign, as they lifted the Harwood Champions League trophy and etched their name in Mumbai football history.

Final Score: ICL Mumbai 1 (5) – (4) 1 RFYC

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.