By Ajay Majumder
KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club’s title hopes in the ongoing CFL Premier Division – A crushed following a 2-2 draw against United SC on Thursday.
After a barren first-half Mohammedan SC surged ahead through Leonce Dodoz (64th) before Manvir Singh doubled the advantage four minutes later. United SC, meanwhile, fought back in the later stages and equalised through Eric Brown (76th) and Manotosh Chakladar (80th) at Barasat Stadium.
Going into the game Mohammedan SC head coach Mridul Banerjee made two changes from the side that played goalless aganist Peerless SC. Kamran Farooque and Mohammad Soukat came at the expenses of Pranit Lama and Usman Ashik.
The Black Panthers began the game in attacking mode and created a couple of close chances early on. While Manvir did well to get into spaces, the striker lacked the finish in the final third.
As the half progressed, Mohammedan SC started dominating the possession. On the other hand, United SC defended deep and had their custodian Abhijit Das to thank after he denied Dodoz and Manvir on several occasions as both sides went into the breather tied at goalless.
The second half began with both sides engaging in some end-to-end action in the opening minutes. Having gone close on a few occasions early on, Mohammedan SC took the lead in the 64th minute. A low cross floated in from the left by Dipendu Dowary found Dodoz in the box and the Ivorian slotted with a powerful low shot across the goal.
Having scored, Mohammedan SC increased their pressure and attacked the rival goal ferociously going close on a few occasions. Four minutes later, Mohammedan SC’s pressure yielded another goal when Manvir got on the scoresheet off an Mumtaz Akhtar pass.
United SC, at the other end, pulled a goal back when Eric converted from the spot. The penalty was awarded to United SC after Kamran brought down Jagannath Oraon inside the box.
Thereafter, Mohammedan SC continued to push up and create chances but once again lack of finishing touch in the rival box led them down.
While Mohammedan SC pressed high up, opponents United SC managed to take the lead against the run of the play. Manotosh Chakladar capitalised on error by Mohammedan SC custodian Sayan Roy to score the equaliser.
In the final few minutes of the game, both sides tried hard for the winner couldn’t break the deadlock as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
Mohammedan SC, who are on 17 points from 8 games, are now out of the title contention and will face East Bengal next on Sunday at Kalyani Stadium.
Photo by: Ujjal Sarkhel
