KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club began their AIFF U16 League 2016/17 Kolkata Zonal Round campaign with a 1-3 defeat to United SC at the Mohammedan Sporting Club Ground on Saturday.
A brace from Suraj Rajbanshi (2nd & 17th) and a goal from Ram Hembram (79th) scripted a rather comfortable victory for the visitors. Surajuddin Munshi (32nd), meanwhile, pulled a goal back for the hosts.
United SC began the game in attacking mode and took the lead as early as the 2nd minute when Suraj converted a free-kick just outside the Mohammedan SC box.
Having conceded early on, Mohammedan SC began attacking with intensity through Debraj Rakshit and Surajuddin. While Mohammedan SC pressed high up, United SC, at the other end, doubled their advantage as Suraj slotted past Mohammedan SC custodian Aftab Alam after recieving the ball from the left side.
Both sides, thereafter, engaged in some end-to-end action and having gone close on a few occasions, Mohammedan SC managed to pull a goal back through Surajuddin, who converted from spot in the 32nd minute.
Mohammedan SC in the remainder continued to push up and create chances but lacked the finishing touch in the rival box as the first half ended 1-2.
After change of ends, both sides battled hard in the midfield. While Mohammedan SC had the better chances to equalize, United SC capitalised on a defensive error as Ram’s 79th minute strike virtually finished off the game.
The hosts battled hard towards the end, but United SC held on and denied Mohammedan SC any chance to stage a late comeback as the game ended 1-3.
United SC’s Suraj Rajbanshi was declared the Man of the Match. He recieved a trophy and Rs. 1000 from Mohammedan SC’s Football Secretary Iqbal Ahmed and senior team members Rana Gharami and Alexandre Tabillon.
Prior to the match a opening ceremony took place with former India international footballers in Dipendu Biswas and Prasanta Chakraborty inaugurating the Kolkata Zonal Round beside Mohammedan SC’s General Secretary Ghazal Zafar and Senior Team Manager Belal Ahmed Khan.