XtraTime Web Desk – Mohammedan Sporting made a strong return to I-League as they beat newcomer Sudeva Delhi FC by 1-0. Debutant Faisal Ali scored the goal in which was the opening match of the season.
Mohammedan tried to play attacking football right from the start. With a bit of luck in favour, Mohammedan could’ve scored in the 9th minute mark but Rakshit Dagar denied, who eventually had a good game overall. Sudeva was very organized in the back and that created problems for the Kolkata based team. Mohammedan then tried some long range shots which Rakshit successfully managed to save. Sudeva FC was very positive in the counter attacking department. Kean Lewis led their attacking department and looked dangerous in some occasion but couldn’t capitalize on their chances.
In the second half, Mohammedan Sporting put a lot of pressure on Sudeva. They kept possession and build their attack build upon that. Just how Spanish coaches loves to play. That put pressure on Sudeva’s defence and because of their mistake in the 58th minute, Faisal Ali scored and gave Mohammedan the lead.
After conceding the goal, Sudeva threw players upfront to put pressure on Mohammedan. The Delhi based team tried their best to at least earn a point but Eze Kingsley knew his job and did it brilliantly to keep Sudeva away from their defence. Mohammedan then moved on to slow counter attacking football. They killed Sudeva’s momentum. Just what Mohammedan wanted. At a point, they could have been 2-0 up from a attack but Raphael Odovin failed to convert a golden opportunity. To note, Raphael didn’t have a good match. The black panthers expects a lot from the foreigner but he needs to step up his game.
Thus, with Faisal Ali’s solo goal, Mohammedan Sporting won their first match of I-League beating Sudeva Delhi FC 1-0.