Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Sesa FA and Kerala United were locked in a goalless draw in the I-League Division III League match played at Duler Stadium, on Saturday.
Kerala United have five points from three matches, while Sesa FA have two points from two matches.
In the first 30 minutes, both the teams played cautiously, restricting play almost too midfield.
It was Kerala United that had their first good look at the rival goal where a fierce strike by medio Craig Mangkhanlian from inside the 18-yard box hit Sesa FA’s defender for a corner.
In the last quarter of the first session, Sesa FA lads had three attempts at Kerala United’s goal.
Chaitan Dabholkar was timely thwarted by Kerala United’s custodian Pratheesh Veettil in one to one situation, while minutes later Chaitan’s curling shot from just on top of the penalty box sailed just over the crossbar.
In the 45th minute, Saurabh Patil’s header off a corner was paired to safety by Kerala United’s goalkeeper.
The best chance for Kerala United came in the added time where a 25-yard grounder by Thufail K, was brilliantly pushed for a corner by Sesa FA’s custodian Roanal Gaunkar with a full stretched diving save.
On resumption of play, both the coaches brought number of substitution, but had little impact on the score list.
In the 75th minute, Chaitan Dabholkar intelligently passed the ball to unmarked Thokchom Singh, inside the penalty box, whose weak shot was saved by Kerala United’s custodian.
At the other end, Kerala United was awarded an indirect free-kick just outside the 6-yard box but C Ramdinmawia’s strike was blocked on the goal line by Sesa FA’s defender.
Being Ganesh Chaturthi festive day, it was surprising how the All India Football Federation was holding the I-League third match. To add to the injury not a single spectator had come to witness the well-contested morning match.
In the evening match, Garhwal Heroes FC stunned Maharashtra Oranje FC in a 4-3 thriller.
For Garhwal Heroes FC Piyush Bhandari, Rohan Manar, Prananjay Singh and Mustafa Shaikh scored, while for Maharashtra Oranje FC colts Mohammad Khatib netted a brace and Pratham Ghatnur scored the third goal.