As we come near to end of the league’s group matches, the intensity of the competition goes up with team’s looking to qualify for the play-off. This match between HDFC and Soccer A-Z was no different as both teams looked to add more points to their existing tally in order to march towards the play-off.

HDFC came into this game on 13 points from 5 games, having conceded 0 goals, yes zero. 5 clean-sheets in 5 games. An impressive performance having netted 8 goals so far. Whereas Soccer A-Z had 10 points from their 5 games just three behind HDFC.  A win for HDFC would take them four points clear of Juhu Beach Utd who are on 12 points.

HDFC and Soccer A-Z  both started cautiously knowing a goal conceded early could prove costly. HDFC’s number 4 Morgan Ganda bossed the game with his awareness, intricate passing and ability to increase the tempo of the game. Although the finishing was lacklustre both teams held on for a 0-0.

The game would come to life in the second half when both teams had shots at goal only for the players to fire over the top. The breakthrough came in the 68th minute when the Soccer A-Z centre back failed  to clear the ball presenting an opportunity for number 21 Jayesh Naik who pressurized the keeper into a mistake before putting the ball in the back of the net. And they doubled their lead in the 71st minute when number 4 Morgan Ganda had the presence of mind to control the ball near the by line before cutting two players and laying it on a plate for number 26 Blaise Fernandes who made no mistake.

The missed chances proved costly for Soccer A-Z who could have won the game or if not won got something out of it . This win takes HDFC to 16 points with two games still to play. They sit top of the group comfortably. Their next two games are vs Rhino FC and Hearts FC.

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Two second-half goals from Anand Vishwakarma and Hitesh Bangera proves decisive for Soccer A-Z as Juhu Beach United paid for their poor finishing.

Juhu Beach United had a fine start. Siddharth Kripalani and Tarang Manjeshwar linked up pretty well in the first-half but poor display in the final third were about to hit them hard.

Both, Soccer A-Z and Juhu Beach United somehow managed to showcased their defensive approach as the half-time score was 0-0.

The second-half was more happening than the first-half. On the 46th minute, Anand Vishwakarma opened the scoring with a sublime finish to put Soccer A-Z ahead.

Tarang Manjeshwar could have equalized for Juhu Beach United but his loose shot went just wide off the post.

Soccer A-Z’s Anil came close to double their tally but his right footed shot was well saved by Juhu Beach United’s goalkeeper.

Anil once again was spot when his shot was yet again saved by Juhu Beach United’s goalkeeper.

Yogesh Negi made a solo run where he danced past three defenders but only to see his effort going wide.

Juhu Beach United’s Abhay tried from distance in hope to grab a equalizer but his powerful shot went over the bar.

As Juhu Beach United were desperate to find the late equalizer Hitesh Bangera doubled Soccer A-Z lead to two goals to put the final nail in the coffin.

With this win, Soccer A-Z maintain their fine form this season.

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