Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Kerala United FC fought gallantly to come back from a goal down to hold Maharashtra Oranje FC to a 2-2 draw in the I-League Division III match played at Duler Stadium, here, on Thursday.
Maharashtra Oranje FC that had drawn their last league match against host Sesa FA started earnestly and scored twice through Mohammad Khatib and a self goal from Kerala United FC’s defender Lalmuanawma, while C Ramdinmawiaman managed to pull a goal for Kerala United FC, 2-1, before the breather.
With the match just five minutes old, Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Mohammed Khatib brilliantly curled his left footer from inside the 18-yard box to the far corner of the goal 1-0.
Kerala United colts mounted pressure on the rival citadel and managed to level terms where in the 15th minute, KC Larchhuakmawia sent a square pass to well positioned Kerala United FC’s defender C Ramdinmawia whose power-packed right footer crashed into the back of the nylons 1-1.
As the match progressed, both the custodians brought smart saves. Kerala United FC’s goalkeeper Pratheesh Veettil paired Mohammed Khatib strike from the right flank, while at the other end Maharashtra Oranje FC’s custodian was equal to the task to pair the ball to safety from Vanlalmalsawma strike.
In the 33rd minute, Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Gaisuangmei Kamei sent a deadly cross inside the goal area which took a wicked deflection off Kerala United FC stopper back Lalmuanawma leg to find the ball roll into his own goal, 2-1.
Seven minutes later, Maharashtra Oranje FC’s goal scorer Mohammed Khatib had an open goal right in front of him with rival keeper lying prostrate on the ground, saw his shot hit the side netting.
Kerala United FC lost a glorious chance to level terms in the added time with Maharashtra Oranje FC’s custodian bringing back to back saves from Chabungbam Meitei and William Lalnunfela.
On resumption of play, Maharashtra Oranje FC should have increased their lead in the very first minute but striker Duane D’Souza saw his strike on the run hit the far corner of the goal post and rebound into play.
In a counter attack, a strong header by Muhammad Adhilshan off substitute Febin Ghbbs corner was superbly blocked by Maharashtra Oranje FC custodian.
In the 75th and 82nd minute, two scoring opportunities went in vain for Maharashtra Oranje FC, where Kuivao Ruivah and Gaisuangmei’s efforts were saved by the defender and then the goalkeeper.
When it looked it was curtains down for Kerala United, substitute Febin Gibbs caught the rival defence napping by finishing his strike from inside the penalty box with a curling left footer 2-2, sending his teammates and supporters into raptures, 1-1.
In the morning match, Dalbir FA piped Garhwal Heroes FC.
Santosh Kumar’s long range strike in the 33rd minute was misjudged by rival custodian to the ball land into the goal, 1-0.