Tornadoes FC v Rangers FC
Score: Tornadoes FC 5–4 Rangers FC
Scorers
Tornadoes FC (Mohameel Khaleel 16’, 28’, 37’, 56’; Sourav Jana 59’)
Rangers FC (Karthik R 32’, 40’, 41’; Moise R 58’)
A scintillating 9-goal encounter between Tornadoes and Rangers ended 5-4 in favour of Tornadoes. The game was a roller-coaster ride throughout and the result wasn’t decided until the dying minutes of the game. Mohammed Khaleeel was once again the star of the show, scoring four goals and is now the clear front-runner for the golden boot.
Tornadoes dominated the first quarter of the game and were duly rewarded in the 16th minute when Khaleel put them ahead with a cool finish. Although Rangers had a decent first half they conceded one more just before half-time with Khaleel again the scorer. Rangers changed things up at half-time and their intentions were clear – to go attack and score goals, and they did exactly that.
Midseason signing Karthik pulled back one two minutes after the restart but Khaleel scored his third goal and pick up anther hat trick while extending his side’s lead back to two. Not to be outdone, Rangers had the answers and Karthik scored two goals in quick succession to pick up his hat trick and level the scores.
Rangers who were in full flow had a chance to go up but failed to convert their chances and Tornadoes regained lead again through Khaleel who was in blistering form the whole game. Rangers then converted a penalty kick two minutes later via Moise and the game back to level terms at 4-4 with two minutes to go. Just when we thought we had a draw as the outcome, Tornadoes just had enough in them and they went ahead via new signing Sourva Jana in the 59th minute to hand his side all three points.
Khaeel has been phenomenal this season for Tornadoes and will play a big part to play in their promotion hunt while mid-season signing Karthik for Rangers has been in scorching form scoring 5 goals in 2 games.
Man of the Match: Mohameed Khaleel (Tornadoes FC)
Can-a-bees FC v Pegasus FC
Score: Can-a-bees FC 1–0 Pegasus FC
Scorers
Can-a-bees FC (Shyama Brahma 46’)
A game between the bottom two ended in favour of Can-a-bees FC who won by a solitary goal. The game was evenly matched throughout and Pegasus would feel they deserved at least a point from the game. Things weren’t going for well for Can-a-bees and a moment of inspiration from Shyama Brahma saw a shot from the outside the box to find itself hit the back of the net.
Pegasus had chances in the first half but could not find a way through and need to thank their keeper Niranjan for keeping them in the game. Although their defence was solid at the back they gave away possession too cheaply and the pressure kept building on them.
Can-a-bees had 12 shots on target and created six chances, and although they won the game, they wanted more goals. Allen had a good game in defence and kept a close eye on Charles Clinton who could not find his feet in the first half. Abhijith Mathew won the Man of the Match award for his performance in midfield while also assisting the only goal of the match.
The goal came in the 46th minute when Shyama Brahma’s long-range goal left Niranjan with no chance. This is Can-a-bees’ second win of the season and this win helps them move one step closer to move out of the red zone. This was Pegasus’s chance to finally pick up a win and they came close to picking up a point but in the end, Can-a-bees just found a way through.
Man of the Match: Abhijith Mathew (Can-a-bees FC)
The Aces v United 4th Phase FC
Score: The Aces 2–5 United 4th Phase FC
Scorers
The Aces (Devanshu Sharma 9’; Hemanth A 27’)
United 4th Phase FC (Dauda Ahme 12’, 40’; Multan Khan 39’; Mohammed Afsar 57’; Nitesh Sharma 59’)
United 4th Phase tightened their grip on third place after turning on the style in the final quarter of the game. Earlier, Aces had the lead twice before United 4th finally found their groove to turn the game on its head. Aces opened the scoring in the 9th minute via Devanshu Sharma and it was well deserved. Aces started the game the stronger side and created more chances than their opponents but their finishing was lacking until Devanshu’s opener.
Dauda Ahme equalised for United 4th three minutes later but they ended up conceding again just before half time when Hemanth put Aces up front. Again, Aces started the second half stronger but once Multan Khan found the equaliser in the 40th minute, the game completely shifted in favour of United 4th. A minute later, Dauda scored his second for the day and lifted his side into the lead, a lead they never relinquished again. Mohammed Afsar and Nitesh Sharma added late goals to seal the deal for United 4th.
Dauda Ahme’s recent goal scoring form has really pushed United 4th to challenge for a promotion spot and they have their destiny in their own hands. Win all their games and they get promoted. Aces, on the other hand, are still languishing in the bottom half of the table and will be ruing their second half performance which saw them concede four goals. Hemanth and Devanshu had good games for Aces but their defence let them down today.
Man of the Match: Multan Khan (United 4th Phase FC)
Dragons AFC v Bangalore City FC B
Score: Dragons AFC 1–2 Bangalore City FC B
Scorers
Dragons AFC (Joshua Kayode 2’)
Bangalore City FC B (Sandeep 58’; Worthem B 59’)
A high-intensity affair between Dragons and BCFC B came down to the wire with all the 3 goals coming in the final minutes of the game. Dragons were coming into this game on a unbeaten streak where they hadn’t conceded any goals (in the previous five outings). With both teams defensively competent, goals would be far and few.
As expected, Dragons got into their defensive groove very quickly and thwarted attack after attack from the BCFC side. Faazil and Papi started the game strongly but both wore out as the game carried on. Worthem made some efforts on the flank to try to stretch the game and cross the ball but the twin towers of Frank and Peter Jr would have none of it.
Attack after attack was cleared away from danger and the game went into halftime goalless. The second half was much of the same but Dragons also looked to hit on the counter-attack more but the defensive wall on the other side of the pitch – Ibrahim Kanote and Abdhul Kamali – would have none of it.
The game was seemingly headed for a draw when Danny Khumlo made a string of brilliant saves with only a few minutes left but a lapse in concentration saw Papi deflected pass reach Sandeep who made no mistake of slotting home the goal from close quarters.
Having to attack space that opened up, BCFC doubled their lead quickly with Worthem scoring a minute later to seal the deal. Joshua Kayode got one back in extra time but it was a case of too little too late and Dragons’ valiant effort went in vain. BCFC keep the pressure on Simba with this win and the title is likely to go down to the wire.
Man of the Match: Frank D (Dragons AFC)
