I-League 2024-25: Sreenidhi Deccan grab late winner against Rajasthan United FC

Angel Orelien scored a brace for Sreenidhi Deccan in the I-league game.

Angel Orelien emerged as the hero for Sreenidi Deccan FC by scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Rajasthan United in a 2024-25 I-League encounter at the Deccan Arena on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Sreenidi Deccan led 1-0 at half-time.

Orelien scored in the 21st and 86th minutes, while Seiminmang Manchong netted Rajasthan’s sole goal.

Sreenidi Deccan secured their first home win of the season, bouncing back from an initial home defeat. Both teams entered the game with similar records — a loss and a win — but it was Sreenidi Deccan who prevailed. The win also boosted their position to fourth in the standings with six points from three matches, while Rajasthan United are in eighth place with three points.

The Deccan Warriors displayed a commanding presence right from the start. They exhibited quick, skilful play that frequently penetrated Rajasthan’s defence, creating numerous opportunities. An early chance arose in the second minute when David Castenada Munoz intercepted a pass and fired a strong shot that Rajasthan goalkeeper James Kithan deflected over the bar.

Sreenidhi Deccan edge past Rajasthan United in a close contest 🔥👀#IndianFootball #ILeague pic.twitter.com/JQ8wJERW9K

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) December 5, 2024

The breakthrough came in the 21st minute, initiated by Jagdeep Singh with a precise low cross from the left to Rosenberg Gabriel. Gabriel cleverly drew the defenders before setting up Orelien, who decisively finished to put Sreenidi Deccan ahead. A missed header from Rosenberg later on could have doubled their lead, but his effort soared over the crossbar.

Rajasthan United slowly found their rhythm, primarily through counter-attacks. They nearly equalised in the 27th minute when Naoba Meetei’s dashing run set up William Pauliankhum.  But Pauliankhum unfortunately missed the target.

The second half saw continued dominance from Sreenidi Deccan, highlighted in the 52nd minute when Faysal Shayesteh’s 23-yard free-kick was saved by Kithan. However, Rajasthan equalised five minutes later when Pauliankhum assisted Manchong with a superb strike.

The match’s defining moment came from Orelien, who scored directly from a corner kick in the 86th minute, catching the Rajasthan defence off-guard and sealing the victory for Sreenidi Deccan.

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