RFDL: NorthEast United play out draw, ATK Mohun Bagan showcase magic

Both games were played at the SAI Complex in Imphal.

Over 1000 people turned up to showcase their support for the National Group Stage matches of the Reliance Foundation Developmental League (RFDL) at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Complex in Imphal on Wednesday. The backing from the crowd was palpable and it rubbed off on the players as ATK Mohun Bagan thrashed Shillong Lajong FC 4-0 pretty convincingly whereas a late-thriller unfolded in the 2-2 draw between Classic FA and NorthEast United FC earlier in the day.

NorthEast United share spoils with Classic FA

The Highlanders had sneaked past Classic FA through a 44th minute strike by forward Alfred Lalruotsang. The Indian Super League (ISL) unit maintained a good control over the proceedings thereafter as well. They called up fellow forward Nelson Rymbai from the bench and his goal helped them double their lead in the 86th minute. However, an extended injury time ensured that Classic FA dampened all hopes of the Highlanders to take away three points from this contest.

First, forward Serto Worneilen Kom found the back of the net in the 92nd minute through a move that went against the momentum of the game to help Classic cut down the deficit. Worneilen and his other forwards didn’t give up though, as they built a couple of quick attacking moves higher up in the final third and this result in him bagging a brace in the 99th minute with a strike that was well-appreciated by the spectators. NorthEast had their grip over the game for a large chunk of the game but they couldn’t keep their composure in the extra time and that ended up in two points slipping away from their hands.

ATK Mohun Bagan beat Shillong Lajong

Later on, the Mariners made easy work of Shillong Lajong at the same venue in front of a similar full capacity crowd. They kicked off proceedings with in-form forward Loitongbam Taison Singh netting the first goal in the third minute itself.

ATK Mohun Bagan’s U-23 star Nongdamba Naorem produced some great footwork within a couple of minutes and scored once each in the 19th and 21st minute to help the Mariners head into the halftime with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Their backline was as efficient as their forwards and this ensured that Mohun Bagan didn’t cede even a small chance to Shillong to find their feet back in the proceedings. Merely quarter of an hour post halftime, Taison notched his brace with a clean strike in the 59th minute and simultaneously stamped Mohun Bagan’s authority all over the game. There seems to just be no stopping the Mariners in this stage of the competition as they secured another comprehensive victory on Wednesday.

Brief Scores:

Classic FA 2 (Serto Worneilen Kom 90+2’ 90+9’) – 2 (Alfred Lalruotsang 44’, Nelson Rymbai 86’) NorthEast United FC

ATK Mohun Bagan FC 4 (Loitongbam Taison Singh 3’ 59’, Nongdamba Naorem 19’ 21’) – 0 Shillong Lajong FC