I-League 2022-23: Mohammedan Sporting down Real Kashmir in massive turnaround

Mohammedan Sporting Club defeated Real Kashmir FC by a solitary goal in the Hero I-League 2022-23 match at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Friday (December 16, 2022).

A powerful volley from captain Marcus Joseph in the 57th minute proved enough for the hosts in the match where Mohammedan’s Safiul Rahaman and Real Kashmir’s Yakubu Wadudu were shown the red card late in the second half. This was Mohammedan’s third win of the season.

At the start of the game, both teams were found trying to find their rhythm and contesting for ball possession. The first 15 minutes saw no goal-scoring chance being created. Abhishek Halder for Mohammedan and Nozim Babadzhanov for Real Kashmir took a shy at goal but their shots missed the target.

Near the half-hour mark, the game started to open up. Jerry Pulamte passed the ball to Issahak Nuhu Seidu, who charged past the Mohammedan defence. The striker did cut in to take a shot but it was saved by the home team custodian Mithun Samanta. On the other end, Real Kashmir defender Jestin George almost scored an own goal. In his attempt to clear a cross from the left, George headed the ball towards his own goal. However, to his relief, Real Kashmir goalkeeper and captain Subhasish Roy Chowdhury was alert enough to avert the danger.

A minute before the half time, Mohammedan had a good opportunity. Faslu Rahaman made a run through the visitors’ defence after receiving the ball from Abiola Dauda. The midfielder ran into the penalty area but his shot could not find the target.

The second period began with both teams dishing out a better display. The home team had an edge over the opponents as Halder won a free-kick in the 55th minute. Captain Marcus Joseph sent a curler from the free-kick, but custodian Roy Chowdhury had his goal covered as he saw the ball go just wide.

Two minutes later, Joseph shot Mohammedan into the lead after playing wall passes with Abiola Dauda, who flicked it back for his skipper to find the back of the net with a thumping volley.

The visitors launched a series of attacks after conceding the goal. The Snow Leopards received multiple set-pieces but couldn’t create a goalscoring chance. On the other hand, Joseph went close to scoring his second goal of the day but the Trinidadian couldn’t control his shot once inside the penalty area.

Ten minutes from the full-time whistle, a physical battle broke down between Joseph and Yakubu Wadudu. As some players from both the teams got involved in a scuffle, the referee, after peace was restored, gave the marching orders to Safiul Rahaman and Wadudu.

AIFF Media Release