Wasteful Mohammedan SC held by ATK in IFA Shield opener
(Courtesy : MSC Media)
Balram Mandi's effort was canceled out by Deep Mandal's strike as both goals came in the last half hour of the match.
Mohammedan Sporting Club started their 122nd U-19 IFA Shield group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw against ATK on Thursday at the Barasat Stadium.
After a barren first-half, ATK went ahead through Balaram Mandi in the 63rd minute but Deep Mondal restored parity sixteen minutes later.
Mohammedan SC dominated possession from the first whistle and fired the first warning shots, with skipper Asif Hossain forcing a save from the rival keeper in the second minute, and Suraj Munshi did the same 13 minutes later.
ATK were always looking to catch the Young Panthers on the counter and almost succeeded in the 27th minute when Stephenson Pale struck the woodwork with Mohammedan SC custodian Indrajit Sanyal well beaten.
Mohammedan SC continued to dominate proceedings in the later stages of the half and ATK gave up possession on numerous occasions which allowed Mohammedan SC to put them under pressure. However, Young Panthers failed to convert the chances they created as the first-half ended scoreless.
The second-half was more of the same with Mohammedan SC creating most of the chances, while ATK looked to pounce on the counter.
While Mohammedan SC pressed high up, opponents ATK managed to take the lead against the run of the play at the other end. Balaram capitalized on a defensive error to beat Indrajit from close range in the 63rd minute.
Having conceded, Mohammedan SC began attacking with intensity and managed to find the equalizer in the 79th minute when Deep headed home Asif's cross to level the matters.
The goal gave Mohammedan SC a much-needed confidence boost and they increased their pressure up front dominating the game entirely but were finding it hard to break down the ATK defence.
Ananta Kumar Ghosh's charges were building patiently going forward with 10 minutes to play while ATK were defending with numbers behind the ball, with the hope of catching Mohammedan SC on the counter.
ALSO READ:
Defending champions FC Pune City withdraw from IFA Shield, replaced by SAIL Burnpur
East Bengal will bid for ISL, if the bidding process is open- Club Secy Debabrata Sarkar
Top 5 things we would like to see change in the upcoming Indian football season
The Young Panthers even had a legitimate looking penalty claim in the 87th minute which turned down by the referee.
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]ATK eventually held firm but Mohammedan SC were guilty of not testing the rival keeper enough as the final whistle blew ensuring that they started off their campaign with a share of the spoils.
Mohammedan SC would face Sail Football Academy next on July 8, 2018 at the same venue.
Latest News
- I will be here the next season: Andreas Christensen on his Barcelona future
- [WATCH] Isak Ralte's winning goal against Kerala Blasters in ISL 2023-24 Playoffs
- ISL 2023-24 Playoffs: FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC Live Updates
- How is Des Buckingham doing at Oxford United?
- Emiliano Martinez set to miss UEFA Conference League semi-final first leg against Olympiacos
Trending Articles
- How is Des Buckingham doing at Oxford United?
- Mohun Bagan's Brendan Hamill, Dimitri Petratos distribute gifts to underprivileged children after ISL Shield win
- Indian Sports Calendar April 2024: Events to watch in second week of April
- How Lionel Messi could become minority owner at Inter Miami alongside David Beckham?
- Frank Lampard emerges as surprise candidate to take charge of Canada national team
Editor Picks
- How is Des Buckingham doing at Oxford United?
- Mohun Bagan's Brendan Hamill, Dimitri Petratos distribute gifts to underprivileged children after ISL Shield win
- Top 10 goalkeepers with most clean sheets in Champions League history
- Top 10 most profitable academies in football world
- Top 10 longest penalty shootouts in football history