MARGAO
Sports Hostel Odisha blanked Gokulam Kerala FC 2-0 at All India Football Federation under-15 Youth League play-off at Rosary Ground, Navelim on Wednesday. The highlight of the day was a brilliant brace by Raghu Marndi.
Sports Hostel had made their intention clear right from the kick-off when Raghu Marndi beat the rival goalkeeper Mohammed Anshif with a snapshot. Stung by that setback, Gokulam FC upped the ante and troubled the rival defence with well-orchestrated raids. However, their attackers were unable to convert the chances which came their way.
Raghu Marndi, who was in thick of the action, struck second time at the other end when he beat the rival goalkeeper with stiff shot to give his team 2-0 cushion. In the 25th minute, Gokulam FC tried their best and nearly found the success when Hemand MM who scored free kick against the defending champion Minerva FC in the previous match, tried to curl his shot. However, the attempt was well fisted away by the Odisha goalkeeper Amrit Lakra. Hemand came close to scoring but his swinging shot was well palmed away by the Odisha goalkeeper. Unfazed, Sports Hostel launched barrage of attacks with Raghu, Purusottam Kerketta all coming close as they either shot straight into the rival goalkeeper or wide. Sports Hostel continued with same vein with their forwards threatening the rival defence with well-orchestrated raids. Striker Purusottam Kerketa was the worst offender as he muffed two sitters.
Down by two goals, Gokulam FC tried their best to come back into the match and pressed for goals when Hemand’s well-executed free-kick was thwarted by Odisha goalkeeper. Hemand had a chance again in the 75th minute from a free-kick which was not too far away but the goalkeeper had it covered. Sports Hostel continued to enjoy the lion’s share of exchanges.
Late on, Raghu had a chance to score a hat-trick when he got in behind the defenders but his shot was off target. His team-mate Nabin Majhi also managed to get into a great position in the box but chose to shoot when there were two of his team-mates in the box, who were in better scoring positions. Gokulam were unable to create chances and they were left defending most of the time as time was running out. Sports Hostel Odisha thus went to clinch three points having played 2 matches while Gokulam FC are now win-less in two matches and remained on 1 point.
Meanwhile, defending champion Minerva Academy FC trounced MSP Football Academy 3-0 in a Group A play off at Rosary Ground, Navelim on Wednesday. Minerva Academy dominated both the halves and pushed their opponents. Minerva Academy continued in same vein after the change of ends .With this win, Minerva Academy FC collected four points from two matches while MPS Football Academy suffered their
first defeat.
