I-League 2023-24: NEROCA FC edge past TRAU FC

Published at :March 21, 2024 at 7:24 PM

Modified at :March 21, 2024 at 7:24 PM

Ansumana Kromah struck the only goal of the game to gift NEROCA a win after 11 matches.

Ansumana Kromah scored the all-important goal to give NEROCA FC a crucial 1-0 win against TRAU FC in an I-League match at the SSA Stadium in Shillong on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Kromah’s strike also helped NEROCA return to winning ways. The last time NEROCA had won a match was back in November last year, when they edged past Delhi FC 4-3.

The win helped NEROCA leapfrog TRAU to 12th in the league. While both teams are on 10 points from 19 matches, the former are ahead on the head-to-head record.

Understanding the significance of the match, both for morale and positioning in the league, NEROCA approached the game with a clear intent to seize control and capitalise on their chances.

Both teams are on 10 points from 19 matches after the game. (Image Source: AIFF)

NEROCA goalkeeper Soram Poirei was alert to the dangers in the early exchanges and pulled off a good save to keep Danish Aribam out in the 24th minute.

The very next minute, NEROCA’s Darius Snorton Perwood found himself in a similar position, and took a shot at the TRAU goal that Aaryan Anjaneya saved.

The first half’s best chance went to TRAU when Deepak Singh floated a cross from the left flank. An unmarked Issahak Nuhu Seidu connected with the ball sweetly but his shot hit the woodwork.

The second half panned out similarly before NEROCA’s David Simbo hit the crosspiece with a powerful long-distance strike in the 70th minute.

NEROCA’s persistence finally paid off when Ansumana Kromah scored in the 79th minute. Adama Coulibaly exchanged passes with Kromah before setting up the Liberian forward with a cross from the right. Kromah didn’t make any mistake as he volleyed home a crucial goal that fetched the points for his side.

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