RFDL Recap: Rampant Muthoot FA, Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC march on

 

ATK Mohun Bagan FC ran riot in their opening fixture of Reliance Foundation Development League Season 2 with a mammoth 6-1 victory against Mohammedan Sporting Club. The wrecker-in-chief, Suhail Ahmed, netted a hat-trick to spur the young Mariners to their first victory. His sizzling hat-trick was just another timely reminder of the abundant talent housed in the youngster. Goals from Ricky, Fardin and Engson further deepened Mohammedan SC’s woes. The Kolkata giants backed up their win in their opening game with another crucial 2-0 win over Odisha FC.

 

 

The other Kolkata giant East Bengal FC began their season with a hard-earned victory against United SC at the Barrackpore Stadium. Jesin TK’s opening goal in the 58th minute proved the difference in EBFC’s 1-0 win against their counterparts. However, the Red and Gold brigade found it much easier in their second encounter where they got past the challenge of New Alipore Suruchi Sangha by a scoreline of 4-1. It was New Alipore Suruchi Sangha’s second defeat in as many matches. The Kolkata-based side suffered a heavy defeat against Odisha FC in their opening game as well. The side from Odisha opened their account in the Reliance Foundation Development League with a 4-1 win.

 

 

 

Mohammedan Sporting who lost their opening match against the Mariners came back to winning ways when they beat United Sports Club 2-0 in their second game. With games coming up think and fast, all the teams are ready to go all out to secure qualification to the next round setting up an interesting few days ahead in the East Region.

 

 

 

 

The RFDL caravan has reached the Goa region. FC Goa squared off against SESA Football Academy to kickstart the proceedings of the Goa region leg at the Monte De Guirim Ground. 

 

The opening goal came in the 34th minute when Lesly Rebello netted it home to give the team a head start. The second half was fairly comfortable for FC Goa as Salgeo Diaz’s 60th-minute goal sealed the deal for the team. 

 

 

FC Goa Developmental team Head Coach, Deggie Cardozo, expressed his views about the game, “The players were really good in their first league match. We still have a lot to work on, especially in the attacking third, where we had a couple of chances in the first half to put the ball in the net, but I think we're doing well. We are improving, especially with our style of play. We're attempting to keep the ball in the defending and middle thirds. The only thing we need to work on is making better decisions in the attacking third and converting chances." - He added. 

 

 

 

Salgaocar FC began their RFDL campaign with a victory against Churchill Brothers FC. SFC didn’t waste much time to open the scoring as Mark netted the goal in the 3rd minute. Churchill Brothers FC’s Alant struck in the 22nd minute to make it even. With both the teams sharing the spoil in the first half, the game was nicely poised. Beckham's goal in the 71st minute turned out to be the difference between both sides as Salgaocar FC took home three important points in the battle of the former I-League champions.

 

 

South Region: Dominant Chennaiyin FC march on 

Chennaiyin FC continued their winning run at the Bangalore Football Stadium with a 2-0 victory against an in-form Sreenidhi Deccan FC. Goals from Joseph and Chris White propelled the team to yet another victory, cementing their position in the top two of the points table.

 

 

 

Bengaluru FC prevail in the Bengaluru Derby 

The fans who thronged the Bangalore Football Stadium witnessed a nerve-wracking game as Bengaluru FC emerged victorious against FC Bengaluru United in the Bengaluru Derby. The Derby seemed to be heading towards a stalemate, but Clarence had other ideas. The youngster netted a goal in the 90th minute to help BFC claim another 3 points and strengthen their spot atop the table. 

 

 

 

Mangalore FC rout Mohammedan Sporting FC

Abhinash and Bavu struck twice as Mangalore FC put up an exceptional performance against Mohammedan Sporting FC to take away three important points. Abhinash opened the scoring through a penalty in the 34th minute. Just seconds after the first goal, Bavu doubled the advantage for Mangalore FC. They kept their counterparts on a tight leash. Abhinash then went on to make it 3-0 one minute into the stoppage time, while Bavu rounded it off with a goal in the 94th minute.

 

 

Some nerve-wracking moments, goal-fests, and intense duels unfolded in the first two rounds of the RFDL Regional Qualifiers in the Manipur Region. 

 

Sai RC and Pehlum Lamhil Lawm shared the spoils in a thrilling contest. Kharibam netted the opening goal for Sai RC in the 30th minute. Right after the first half, the side raced to a two-goal lead inside 65 minutes. It was Kharibam again, who doubled the lead with another impressive goal. The time was running out for their counterparts, Pehlum Lamhil Lawn. With just over 10 minutes of play left, they had to conjure magic to minimise the damage inflicted by Kharibam’s brace. Just when they needed some luck to go their way, PLL earned a penalty. Mark Haokip converted the penalty to pull one back. This goal proved to be a game-changer for the sideThis goal proved to be a game-changer for the side as they drew level in the 89th minute via a goal from Obed.

 

Wangoi FC outpower Football 4 Change Academy

Rohit completed a sensational hat-trick, steering Wangoi FC to a second successive victory in the Reliance Foundation Development League against Football 4 Change academy. 

On the other side, the game between Poloi FC and Social Development Club ended all square after some nail-biting moments. SDC’s Romen struck an early goal that was later cancelled out by Poloi FC’s Sajaan, who converted a penalty in the 55th minute. 

 

 

 

Muthoot FA and Kerala Blasters FC continued their ascent to the top, remaining unbeaten in the tournament so far. Kerala Blasters produced a stunning performance, coming from behind and then beating Gokulam Kerala FC comprehensively to continue their juggernaut. Saurav’s brace and goals apiece from Ajsal and Saheef tilted the balance of the game in KBFC’s favour. 

 

On the other hand, the rampant Muthoot FA have been exceptional so far in the Reliance Foundation Development League. They continue to reign supreme after cruising to yet another 4-1 win against Kovalam FC on Saturday. Ajay netted the opening goal in the first half and Muthoot FC then completely outclassed Kovalam FC in the second half with Naveen scoring a brace and the star of this unit, Salaudheen running up the scoreline too. With five wins in five games, the team surely has all the ingredients required to go the extra mile.  

 

 

 

Parappur FC cruise past FC Kerala with a five-star performance 

Parappur FC delivered a five-star performance as they outpowered FC Kerala 5-0 through goals from Shanid, Diljith, Jishnu, Jaseel and Junain in the RFDL Regional Qualifiers here in Kerala Region. 

 

 

 

PIFA squared off with Iron Born FC at the Neville D’Souza Football Turf in their quest for their first victory. Both the teams were yet to clinch a victory in their campaign thus far. The stakes were high. It was Iron Born FC, who finally managed to register their first victory of the tournament, with a clinical 3-0 win over PIFA. Khatib, Shane, and Athar shared the goal honours. The team will look to build on the positives from this game and look forward to continuing the same performance in the upcoming fixtures. 

 

 

 

Upbeat Mumbai City FC continue the dominant run 

Mumbai City FC continued their dominant run with a pleasing 2-0 victory against PIFA. Chikkara stole the show with his double strike, helping the team to secure yet another victory in the RFDL Regional Qualifiers, Mumbai Region. After a timid start in their first game, Mumbai City FC have really turned things around. 

 

 

 

Sudeva Delhi FC earned a hard-fought victory against Round glass Punjab FC, while Garwal FC produced a spectacular comeback in the stoppage time to equalise and take home a solitary point. Rishi’s spectacular finish in the 93rd minute helped Garhwal FC avoid a defeat in their opening game.

 

 

 

 

Chawnpui FC absolutely bossed over Chanamari West FC as they cruised to a 7-1 win. Ephraim and Suana scored a brace each, while Lawmkima, Sawma and Lalramdinsanga found their names on the scoresheet too. 

 

 

SYS FC posted a dominant 3-0 victory against 1st Battalion Map Football Academy. SYS took a lead just before half-time thanks to Silvana’s first goal. His comrade Malsawmtluanga then followed it up with a goal in the 52nd minute. Silvana’s strike in the 62nd minute sealed the deal for SYS FC. In the other match, Chanmari FC sailed to a 2-0 victory over Ramthar FC, courtesy of goals from Zira and Lalthangliana.

 

 

 

 

 

In their opening encounter of RFDL Season 2, Northeast United FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Shillong Lajong FC. The latter were quick off the blocks, securing the lead very early in the first half. The Highlanders then made a swift recovery and regained the lost ground, thanks to Alfred’s equaliser. But neither of them managed to double the score. 

 

 

 

On the other hand, Ryntih FC and Malwai SC played out a stalemate in their opening game of the Regional Qualifiers in the Meghalaya / Assam region. The game was fiercely contested, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. 

 

 

 

 

The youngsters of Indian football have been giving their best to make a mark for their sides in the RFDL Regional Qualifiers. The contest has been absolutely breathtaking and it’s going to get better with more matches coming up.