Third straight home loss for HAL

Continuing the good run, Prayag United, with a Kayne Vincent brace, handed over a convincing 2-0 defeat to the Aircraftmen. The later, perhaps paid the price of being too defensive, let the way for third straight home loss. 

Certainly a great start for Prayag in the I-Leage, who literally struggled in away games in the last edition without a single win. Post I-league Round 5, with 4 losses and a draw, HAL is languishing at the bottom of the points table. 

The goal for Prayag United came from a counter move when medio Denson Devdas put an accurate thru to Kayne Vincent, the Kiwi running with the ball managed to shirk the keeper, and placed the ball to the goal.  

Even after conceding an early goal, the host managed to play well in the initial part of the first half. They pressed hard through the attacking third. Ajitkumar Singh put an accurate thru for striker Hamza at the right of the box, the later failed to place correctly, and the ball rebounded from the goal post. 

HAL coach went more defensive by replacing midfielder Sudeesh Muthath with defensive Lillian Kenneth. Donning the best defensive gloves, today’s Man of the Match, Bello Rasaq did not give much space to Hamza. 

Hamza again came close to scoring in the later half - his header missed the goal from left-back Bijoy Das’ curling left footer.

Prayag’s second goal was an outcome of P Pramod’s foul - HAL keeper fouled Kayne Vincent inside the penalty box. Referee Franky Fernandes booked Pramod and awarded penalty. Kayne Vincent’s shot was out of keepers’ reach. 

Second-half changes for HAL added some sheen to the attack, however stumbled due to a quality striker. 

Prayag coach appeared satisfied with today’s result, “It was an away win after a long time, so result-wise, I’m happy. We had several miss-passes and faltered at the striking zone, however, played well enough to sustain the margin”.