Rajasthan United FC staged a stunning second-half comeback to beat hosts Namdhari FC 3-1 in the I-League here on Saturday (November 30, 2024).
Namdhari took a fortunate lead in the 18th minute when Rajasthan defender Wayne Vaz, under pressure from Akashdeep Singh, scored an own goal.
The hosts dominated early, with Akashdeep coming close to doubling the lead in the 34th minute, only for Rajasthan goalkeeper James Kithan to deny him with a superb save.
Rajasthan grew into the game and equalised in the 51st minute after William Neihsial was fouled in the box and Alain Oyarzun converted the resultant penalty with ease.
Namdhari nearly regained the lead in the 70th minute, but Cledson Dasilva’s header drifted narrowly wide.
Three minutes later, Seiminmang Manchong dribbled past multiple defenders and fired in a low shot that eluded goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh, putting Rajasthan ahead.
Namdhari’s hopes faded after a red card in the 80th minute, and Wayne Vaz redeemed himself in the 85th minute, tapping in from close range to seal Rajasthan’s victory.
Later in the evening, Dempo SC clinched their maiden victory of the season, defeating hosts Shillong Lajong FC 2-0.
Goals from Pruthvesh Pednekar (53’) and Matija Babović (90’) sealed a crucial away win for Samir Naik’s men, building on their opening draw against Aizawl FC.
The match began evenly, with Lajong’s Damaitphang Lyngdoh testing Dempo goalkeeper Ashish Sibi early on.
Despite creating chances, Lajong failed to convert, with Daniel Gonçalves missing a key opportunity. Dempo’s disciplined defense soaked up the pressure, keeping the first half goalless.
The Goan side shifted gears after the break when Pednekar broke the deadlock, heading home a corner from Cristián Pérez.
Lajong’s attempts to equalise were thwarted by Sibi’s stellar saves, including a vital stop against Phrangki Buam.
Babovic sealed the win in stoppage time with a sensational long-range strike that left Lajong goalkeeper Neithovilie Chalieu rooted.
Published – December 01, 2024 05:12 am IST
Content Source: www.thehindu.com