Mohammedan Sporting qualifies for the knockout with its third consecutive win. And it wasn’t as easy as the scoreline suggests. The Black Panthers took the lead in the first half through defender Ousmane N’Diaye’s clever finish. The Kolkata-based side didn’t make life easy for itself as it missed chance after chance. It was only in the 87th minute MSC got its second goal thanks to a well-timed header by Rahul Paswan. And now it sets up a tasty, top-of-the-table clash between Bengaluru FC and Mohammedan Sporting on September 2.
Nuriddin wins a freekick close to the box. Is it too far for a shot at goal? Marcus Joseph doesn’t think so. He thunders an effort and it goes a few inches off the right top corner. Brilliance from Marcus Joseph.
Mohammedan Sporting finally has breathing room. Rahul Paswan’s goal was a long time coming. IAFT brings in a bunch of changes, but it looks too late now.
ANOTHER CHANCE MISSED. N’diaye this time. His header from Kean Lewis cross goes inches wide. Frustrating few minutes for the Kolkata giants. GOALLLL!!! Rahul Paswan finally scores. Marcus Joseph swings in a cross from the right with his left foot and Paswan leaps high to hwead it in. FINALLY, 2-0 for Mohammedan Sporting.
MSC misses another chance. This time it is Pritam who was set up by Kean Lewis. His side-footed attempt is wide off the post.
MSC sets off on a counter attack and Pritam is brought down by IAFT defense. Indian Airforce has been held back by its poor set piece delivery. It had several opportunities in the second half to put pressure on the I-League side, but failed due to the quality of delivery.
MSC plays out from the back, despite heavy pressure from IAFT. First time that has happened this game, mostly due to the fact that IAFT never pressed so high.
IAFT has been holding on to possession longer and are entering dangerous territories. But it has lacked in the final pass, thankfully for Mohammedan Sporting.
Mohammedan Sporting’s inability to seal the deal with a second goal might come to haunt it later on. Abhash is down with an injury and MSC has used all of its subs. He is back on with it.
Basu’s reluctance to come off the line is playing into the hands of the Black Panthers. Another chance missed for MSC. Rahul Paswan and Faiaz both gets a shot at goal, but IAFT keeper is solid with his save.
Rahul Paswan misses another chance. Marcus Joseph drives through the right before cutting it back for the Indian forward, whose connection was poor and the chance is skied.
.Faiaz goes down easily under a challenge from Basu. Referee sees no foul and the game continues. IAFT wins a freekick in the right wing. Crossing opportunity there for Air Force. Decent cross, but MSC defenders clear after a few failed attempts.
Marcus Joseph is growing into the game. Meanwhile, MSC makes a few changes, Zuidika off for Rahman Shaheen off for Sairuatkima.
Rahul Paswan fumbles with an open goal in front of him. He dribbles past the keeper after IAFT gifted him the ball inside the box. But the angle wasn’t in his favour. Chance missed.
IAFT’s lack of creativity up front is holding them back. It has often succeeded in bringing the ball past MSC’s midfield, but failed to outwit the Kolkata-side’s defense line. It wins a freekick down the left and Prabhjot takes it. But it doesn’t penetrate MSC box.
Marcus Joseph is getting more time and space on the ball with IAFT players pushing upfield. This is a good sign for the MSC fans.
IAFT has started the second half with a positive attitude. There is an intensity and urgency in its passing. MSC tries to push through down the left flank but IAFT defenders are resolute.
And we are off for the second half.
Mohammedan Sporting goes into the break with a 1-0 lead. It has dominated possession and created chances. But IAFT will know that it still has a chance, considering the slim margin.
Zuidika has a collision. Both players need medical attention and the game grinds to a halt just before the half time.
Faslu goes one on one with the keeper. What a chance for MSC. But Basu makes a strong and necessary save to stop him.
MSC continues to hold on to possession. IAFT seems happy to concede the ball for now. IAFT gets the ball and tries for a cross from the right, but Shankar is quick to react and gathers the ball.
IAFT needs to tweak its safe approach if it wants to make a come back into this game.
GOALLL!!! Ousmane N’diaye scores for Mohammedan. A corner from the right lands at the feet of the CB after keeper Basu flaps at it. N’diaye controls it calmly before placing it into the right corner. 1-0 for Mohammedan Sporting.
DRINKS BREAK
Faiaz has been the primary creative outlet for Mohammedan Sporting. But the chances he has created down the left has mostly been wasted.
MSC thunders down the left. Faiaz streaks past defenders to release Abhash Thapa. His cutback gets to Marcus Joseph, but his finish leaves a lot to desire. Goes wide off the post. Best chance of the match so far.
IAFT has packed the midfield to deny MSC any sort of space for creativity. And it creates a chance on its own. But Shankar Roy is on to the shot and gathers it on second try.
MSC wins another corner courtesy of Marcus Joseph. Faiaz finds Nuriddin outside the box. But seems like that is a setpiece wasted.
IAFT holding up against the more experienced Mohammedan Sporting side. But its lack of attacking intent might cost him as MSC grows into the game.
Marcus Joseph is set free by Vanlalzuidika, but the line referee adjudges him offside and he is not happy with the decision. Joseph then feeds Pritam down the right, but Pritam’s shot was weak and Basu gathers with ease.
IAFT gives away possession cheaply in the midfield. It is Pritam’s turn to win a freekick, this time from the right. Faiaz plays it short and gets it back and flings one in for Marcus Joseph. The forward’s header is off target though.
Abhash tries to evade Jijo, but the wingback trips the MSC midfielder. Freekick from an attacking position for MSC and Marcus takes his position behind the ball. It is a gem of a delivery, but Pritam couldn’t judge it correctly. Missed opportunity there for MSC.
IAFT tries to attack through the wings, but MSC counters rapidly and wins a corner down the left. Faiaz with the corner, but it is cleared by the first man.
Mohammedan SC starts with hoarding the possession. The Kolkata side looks to settle into the game quickly. IAFT forced to work hard off the ball.
Mohammedan Sporting and Indian Air Force FT are out with their line ups.
I-League side, Mohammedan Sporting’s Durand Cup campaign will continue on Saturday with a clash against Indian Air Force FT at Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
The Kolkata giant has began the tournament in dominant fashion with two comprehensive wins over ISL side, FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC.
Indian Air Force FT was on the receiving end of the other end of the stick, with two defeats so far in the tournament.
Where is Mohammedan Sporting vs Indian Air Force FT being played?
Mohammedan Sporting vs Indian Air Force FT is being played at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
When is Mohammedan Sporting vs Indian Air Force FT in Durand Cup?
The match between Mohammedan Sporting vs Indian Air Force FT is scheduled for a 3 pm kick-off IST.
Where can I watch Mohammedan Sporting vs Indian Air Force FT?
The Durand Cup fixture – Mohammedan Sporting vs Indian Air Force FT– will be aired on Sports18 and Sports18 HD.
Sports18 is available on Tata Play (Channel No. 488), Airtel Digital (Channel No. 293), JioTV+ (Channel No. 262 – SD, 261 – HD) and Sun Direct (Channel No. 505).
Where can I live stream Mohammedan Sporting vs Indian Air Force FT?
The Durand Cup fixture – Mohammedan Sporting vs Indian Air Force FT – will be live streamed on Voot and JioTV.
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