Air India would be happy to come off with a point in an away fixture against Mohammedan Sporting in a 1-1 draw at the Barasat Stadium, Kolkata in their opening I-League fixture.
Surojit Roy’s first half strike was cancelled out by Mohammedan Sporting Theodore Sunday after the break as the two sides shared the spoils.
Mohammedan Sporting had the majority of the possession in the first half but failed to carve out any creative move which left them frustrated.
The Kolkata League runners-up saw most of the ball in the initial moments but were guilty of giving away the possession way too easily.
The first chance of the match fell Air India’s way as an Uttam Singh throw-in was headed by new recruit Emmanuel Ovieghara to the far post only for Mohammedan skipper Naseem Akhtar to clear.
This prompted a swift counter attack led by Mike Okoro which finally ended in Theodore Sunday’s shot being saved by an alert Air India number one Arup Debnath.
By now, Mohammedan Sporting were completely sloppy and played with a lackadaisical attitude which saw Air India growing in confidence and going forward. Surojit Roy and Michael Tayo were working hard and dominated the play in the middle of the park.
Air India attacked once again through an Uttam Singh throw-in with Ovieghara’s shot on the turn being wide. In a fine move initiated by Ovieghara from the center line, Michael Tayo’s touch gave Surojit Roy the opportunity to put his side ahead and which he gladly did to leave the Mohammedan Sporting players look each other as to whom to blame.
A few minutes later, Adebayo’s mistake was capitalized by Michael Tayo and his long range grounder missed the post by not far. Mohammedan Sporting defenders were allowing too much space to Surojit, Soccor and Ovieghara as they ran with the ball unchallenged.
The 37th minute saw Theodore get the possession after a Ravinder Singh slip, however, the chance was wasted in the final third. Jothi Kumar had another chance but he sent his ball into the orbit.
Air India could have added another before half time as Surojit Roy’s shot on the turn from just at the edge of the box went over the bar.
The second half saw the Black and Whites come out stronger and showed more purpose in their build-up. Adebayo was in thick of the action.
Air India’s substitute Subhash Singh instantly made an impact with his left footed floater being fingered out by goalkeeper Naseem Akhtar.
Napoleon Singh gave away a needless free kick as he tackled Jothi Kumar. Theodore Sunday was given too much space in the box and he coolly finished from the resultant free kick in the 59th minute.
The 72nd minute saw Ravinder Singh’s cross being met by a Subhash Singh header at the near post by a brilliant save by Naseem Akhtar saved the day for the home side.
Air India midfielder Michael Tayo worked tirelessly and and it was his timely challenge inside the box on Adebayo which cleared he imminent danger.
The very next minute, substitute Gautam Thakur had ample of space of time after getting the ball inside the box from a corner kick but his final shot was poor.
Mohammedan Sporting shall be disappointed having dropped two points at home. Air India would be the happier of the two sides though they could have avoided conceding the equalizer.
Final Score: 1-1.
Goalscorer Air India: Surojit Roy (23rd)
Goalscorer Mohammedan: Theodore Sunday (59th)
Source:Goal.com
Surojit Roy’s first half strike was cancelled out by Mohammedan Sporting Theodore Sunday after the break as the two sides shared the spoils.
Mohammedan Sporting had the majority of the possession in the first half but failed to carve out any creative move which left them frustrated.
The Kolkata League runners-up saw most of the ball in the initial moments but were guilty of giving away the possession way too easily.
The first chance of the match fell Air India’s way as an Uttam Singh throw-in was headed by new recruit Emmanuel Ovieghara to the far post only for Mohammedan skipper Naseem Akhtar to clear.
This prompted a swift counter attack led by Mike Okoro which finally ended in Theodore Sunday’s shot being saved by an alert Air India number one Arup Debnath.
By now, Mohammedan Sporting were completely sloppy and played with a lackadaisical attitude which saw Air India growing in confidence and going forward. Surojit Roy and Michael Tayo were working hard and dominated the play in the middle of the park.
Air India attacked once again through an Uttam Singh throw-in with Ovieghara’s shot on the turn being wide. In a fine move initiated by Ovieghara from the center line, Michael Tayo’s touch gave Surojit Roy the opportunity to put his side ahead and which he gladly did to leave the Mohammedan Sporting players look each other as to whom to blame.
A few minutes later, Adebayo’s mistake was capitalized by Michael Tayo and his long range grounder missed the post by not far. Mohammedan Sporting defenders were allowing too much space to Surojit, Soccor and Ovieghara as they ran with the ball unchallenged.
The 37th minute saw Theodore get the possession after a Ravinder Singh slip, however, the chance was wasted in the final third. Jothi Kumar had another chance but he sent his ball into the orbit.
Air India could have added another before half time as Surojit Roy’s shot on the turn from just at the edge of the box went over the bar.
The second half saw the Black and Whites come out stronger and showed more purpose in their build-up. Adebayo was in thick of the action.
Air India’s substitute Subhash Singh instantly made an impact with his left footed floater being fingered out by goalkeeper Naseem Akhtar.
Napoleon Singh gave away a needless free kick as he tackled Jothi Kumar. Theodore Sunday was given too much space in the box and he coolly finished from the resultant free kick in the 59th minute.
The 72nd minute saw Ravinder Singh’s cross being met by a Subhash Singh header at the near post by a brilliant save by Naseem Akhtar saved the day for the home side.
Air India midfielder Michael Tayo worked tirelessly and and it was his timely challenge inside the box on Adebayo which cleared he imminent danger.
The very next minute, substitute Gautam Thakur had ample of space of time after getting the ball inside the box from a corner kick but his final shot was poor.
Mohammedan Sporting shall be disappointed having dropped two points at home. Air India would be the happier of the two sides though they could have avoided conceding the equalizer.
Final Score: 1-1.
Goalscorer Air India: Surojit Roy (23rd)
Goalscorer Mohammedan: Theodore Sunday (59th)
Source:Goal.com
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