I-League 2023-24: Rajasthan United edge NEROCA in seven-goal thriller

NEROCA tried to fight back in the dying moments but Rajasthan United held their ground.

A nail-biting seven-goal I-League encounter went the way of Rajasthan United FC as they beat NEROCA FC 4-3 at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium on Friday, December 15, 2023.

Labelled as a high-stakes clash which could already have implications on the relegation battle in the early part of the season, Rajasthan United got off to a good start with Syed Suhail Pasha putting them ahead mid-way through the first half. While Dario Junior’s own goal restored parity in added time, NEROCA couldn’t even blink before the Desert Warriors struck again, this time through Lalchungnunga Chhangte.

Rajasthan United’s top-scorer of the season, Richardson Kwaku Denzell added two more goals either side of an Ansumana Kromah strike for NEROCA. Late on, Lourembam David Singh reduced the deficit with the Orange Brigade’s third goal of the match and his second of the season.

The defeat saw NEROCA slip to 11th spot and into the drop zone despite being above Namdhari FC, who have relegation immunity. Ending their five-game winless run, Rajasthan United moved up to 10th place with nine points from 10 games.

Rajasthan United will hope to repeat this performance when they face another Imphal side TRAU FC on December 22 in another significant battle to beat the drop. NEROCA, meanwhile, will end their year travelling across town to take on league leaders Mohammedan Sporting in Naihati on December 24.

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