The Mohammedan Sporting Club U-15 team. (Photo courtesy: Mohammedan Sporting Club)
Mohammedan Sporting Club outplayed NBP Rainbow Athletic Club 3-0 to begin their campaign in the 2018/19 Hero Junior League (Under-15) on Tuesday at Kamalgazi Ground in Kolkata.
After a barren first-half substitute Srimanta Kisku (62′, 70′ and 73′) scored a brilliant hat-trick to hand the Young Panthers a well-deserved victory.
The Young Panthers began the game in attacking mode and created a couple of close chances early on. While striker Mohammad Zeedan did well to get into spaces, he lacked the killer finish in the rival box.
As the half progressed, Mohammedan SC continued dominating the possession. On the other hand, Rainbow AC defended deep and had their custodian Firoj Sardar to thank after he denied William Lalgoulien, Sujay Buduk and Zeedan on multiple occasions as both sides went into the breather tied at goalless.
Needing a goal, Mohammedan SC came out all guns blazing in the second-half as they attacked by pushing high up. The pressure paid off as the Young Panthers finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute through Srimanta. Ramij Raja Mollah with a brilliant run on the right got past his marker and passed across the goal to Srimanta, who slotted in at the far post.
Having taken the lead, Mohammedan SC got a much needed confidence boost and they increased their pressure up front before doubling their lead in the 70th minute as Rainbow AC defence was left gaping at the back, which allowed for Zeedan to supply a ball into the box towards Srimanta, who made no error by turning on the ball and striking the back of the net.
Three minutes later, Mohammedan SC virtually finished off the game when Sujay won the ball inside his own half and launched it towards Srimanta, who did well to run inside the box, fend off a Rainbow defender, and strike the ball into the back of Firoj’s net.
The Young Panthers will face Keshab Uma Charitable Trust Academy next on April 5, 2019 at Kamalgazi Ground.
(Mohammedan Sporting Club)