Friday , March 29 2024

Sensational late comeback earns Aizawl FC crucial point at Real Kashmir FC!

Former I-League champions and relegation-threatened Aizawl FC pulled off a spectacular come-from-behind 2-2 draw against hosts Real Kashmir FC at the TRC Ground in Srinagar on Saturday, February 29 afternoon.

In this 13th I-League reverse leg fixture, the Snow Leopards were given the lead by Scotsman Mason Robertson in the first half and it was looking quite comfortable for the hosts after Englishman Kallum Higginbotham doubled the lead at the beginning of the second. However, young Rochharzela had other ideas for the visitors — coming up with a double-strike in the space of three minutes to stun the home supporters present in the stands.

Real Kashmir FC join the likes of Chennai City FC and Churchill Brothers on 19 points to enter the top five at least momentarily after 13 games, while Aizawl FC secure a crucial point to climb just above the relegation zone with 16 points from 14 games.

The first of three I-League games on Leap Day, it gave the feeling for major parts of the game that it would go the same way as the first leg did on the first day of February 2020, where Real Kashmir FC picked up a 2-0 win.

However, Aizawl FC continued their habit of scoring late as Hero of the Match Rochharzela’s twin strikes in the 84th and 87th minute today were their seventh and eighth goals scored in the last 15 minutes this season.

Aizawl FC had as much as 68% possession in the first half and three corners as compared to Real Kashmir FC’s none, and were looking enterprising with their passing game. But, it was the home side which got the all-important goal.

It came in the 36th minute from coach David’s son Mason, who can now easily be called Real Kashmir FC’s most lethal scorer with six goals to his name already this season.

The scoring opportunity came through an error from Aizawl’s Lalhmangaihkima, who started today in place of Jonathan. Kima received a loose ball outside his own box with an open field in front of him to initiate a counter but needlessly handled the ball.

From the resultant set-piece, Robertson powered a right-footer around the wall and into the Aizawl net. Keeper Zothanmawia scrambled haplessly to get a hand to it but the shot had too much power.

Real Kashmir FC did manage to get their first corner as soon as the second half began but their second goal came a bit later. Mason had a role in this one as well as he played Ritwik Kumar Das in after another defensive lapse from Aizawl FC — this time by Ghanaian Joseph Adjei, who conceded possession with a loose clearance.

The talented Ritwik, who displayed some deft moves throughout the game, broke inside the Aizawl FC box in a flash with a couple more and squared the ball back to an unmarked Higginbotham. The English winger made no mistake with a calm and composed finish, slotting it home between the keeper and defender.

Even though Robin Singh made a hash of a 78th-minute penalty, which was won thanks to another dangerous Mason cross handled inadvertently inside the box by Adjei, it did look as if Real Kashmir FC would log all three points.

However, with just over five minutes left for the game to end, Aizawl FC got a penalty for themselves when Zoherliana was deemed to have been fouled inside the box by Loveday Okechukwu. From the resulting opportunity, Rochharzela converted confidently.

Just three minutes later, the youngster brought down a long ball by Rosanga beautifully inside the Real Kashmir FC box on the right and in one action, he got ahead of his marker to find just keeper Phurba Lachenpa standing between him and the target. Zela placed a perfect right-footer over the keeper’s head and away from him to lodge the ball into the top left corner to complete a sensational comeback for his side.

It was a thrilling finish to the game and it was hosts Real Kashmir FC, who were left to rue their missed penalty at the end.

About Press Release

Check Also

I-League Round 24 Preview: Inter Kashi have the potential to be a killjoy in Mohammedan Sporting’s party!

Mohammedan Sporting will have one hand on the coveted I-League 2023-24 trophy if they can …