Xtra Time Web Desk: Mohammedan Sporting continued their winning momentum in I League 2020 qualifiers as they thrashed ARA FC 4-1 at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium on Sunday. The Black Panthers produced a much improved performance with Coach Yan Law making as many as six changes in the playing XI from the last match against Garhwal FC.
The home side took an early lead through their Trinidadian striker Willis Plaza in the 13th minute of the match. Vanlalbiaa Chhangte sparked off the move, getting past his marker down the right flank and sending a pinpoint cross for Plaza to finish with a powerful, low shot past the keeper. Chhangte was once again at the heart of the attack, creating the second goal, this time with a deep cross finding Mondal on the left flank. Mondal played a delightful ball back across goal for 21-year-old Nepali striker Abhishek Rijal, making his Mohammedan debut, to finish from close range. Just on the cusp of half-time, Rijal sparked off a brilliant team move with a hard tackle on the left flank and continued his run into the box, taking the ball off the feet of Chhangte to bury it past the keeper and give his team a 3-0 lead.
The side from Ahmedabad pulled a goal back in the 54th minute as substitute Sreekuttan picked up the ball inside his own half and driving forward before sending across a dangerous through-ball which MDSP defender Saiful Rahman could only deflect into his own goal. Mohammedan capped off a dominant performance with a fourth strike in the 89th minute. This time it was SK Faiaz who was sent through on goal by a through-ball from substitute Shamsad Ali. Faiaz cooly slotted past the onrushing keeper to restore his side’s three-goal advantage.
With two wins under their belt Mohammedan Sporting tops the table with six points.
With Inputs from AIFF Media