Playing better football today, Mohammedan Sporting outclassed nippy NISA, Manipur 2-0. Foreign recruits, Theodore Sunday and Edu Escobar scored a goal in each half. In the earlier match, ONGC, riding on Babatunde’s goal defeated Vasco 1-0.
It was match of tactics over speed and stamina. Knowing that his lads would not be able to cope-up with speedy NISA, Mohammedan coach Shabbir Ali, played a posessional game.
Sporting meant business right from the starting of the game. In the very 1st minute, Edu floated a nice long ball for Jyothikumar, and Jyothikumar in turn made complete a mess of it. It was Edu’s turn in the 8th minute, he was completely caught unaware of a ball centered from right wing.
Theo made a good solo run in the 10th minute and gave the final pass for Edu, which the later failed to connect.
It was match of tactics over speed and stamina. Knowing that his lads would not be able to cope-up with speedy NISA, Mohammedan coach Shabbir Ali, played a posessional game.
Sporting meant business right from the starting of the game. In the very 1st minute, Edu floated a nice long ball for Jyothikumar, and Jyothikumar in turn made complete a mess of it. It was Edu’s turn in the 8th minute, he was completely caught unaware of a ball centered from right wing.
Theo made a good solo run in the 10th minute and gave the final pass for Edu, which the later failed to connect.
The midfield operated very well for Mohammedan with Jyotikumar making speedy runs from both sides in turn. The defense too, lead by Aussie Samuel Jordan and Anupam Sarkar carried out their role.
Mohammedan looked more composed today. Edu was sharper on the dead ball situations and Theo made several solo runs from the half.
NISA came close to scoring in the 35th minute with a nice move, Santosh Singh made a long area with the ball, and then crossed the ball from the right, the ball beat keeper Nassem but, couldn’t get into the direction of the goal.
Jyotikumar, operating quickly from the left flank was brought down in 38th minute. Set-piece expert, Edu took a curving free-kick to the left-post, the ball hit the keeper’s chest, Theo managed to get the ball on the rebound, and put it inside the net.
A serious lapse in defense from Debkumar Sashmal could have cost Sporting a goal in the 2nd minute of 2nd half. Theo continuously attacked from the front, however, he failed to the score any more goal. At times he took too long to move inside the box and later outsmarted by NISA defense. He should have scored at least 2 more goals today.
NISA made few quick counters, but they lacked the sharpness in the striking area.
Edu displayed some exemplary skills with the ball today, though he lacks on speed and tenacity, but he covered that with his some crisp-touches and error-free passes.
The match official was almost going to blow his long whistle, when the 2nd goal came for Mohammedan. Theo seized the ball from the opponent and passed it to medio Babin, who in turn, passed the ball from the penalty box region to Edu. Edu coming from the right side, shot the ball accurately to the goal.
Talking to GardenCity Soccer Stars, coach Shabbir Ali, sounded satisfied. He said the boys played better football today. He liked the way his boys created goal scoring opportunities, though missed many. However, he is confident about increasing the conversion rates. Striker Edu, who had a field day today, looked happy to be within the goals.
NISA coach, Lakhsmichand Singh blamed inexperience for the result today. “It is a learning experience for us, out guys lacks the experience needed in this level”. He will try to blood some rookies in the next game and expects to put up a better show.
Mohammedan Sporting plays against board leader HAL in their 3rd round match on Sunday, May 9, 4 pm.
Result:
- ONGC 1 (Badmus Babatunde-47’) Vasco Sports Club 0
- Mohammedan Sporting 2 (Theodore Sunday-38’ and Edu-90+3) NISA, Manipur 0
Next Match - May 8 (Round 3):
- Sesa Football Academy versus Oil India, 2 pm
- Malabar United versus ONGC, 4 pm
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