MH Oranje FC and MYJ-GMSC share the spoils in a heated MFA Nadkarni Cup encounter

by Chittu Shetty November 30, 2024

The MFA Nadkarni Cup witnessed an electrifying clash between two of its heavyweights, MH Oranje FC and MYJ-GMSC, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Both sides brought their best to the table, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout the game. The opening exchanges were intense, with Oranje FC moving forward with some sharp passing while MYJ-GMSC focused on swift counters. Both teams carved out early openings, but the finishing touch seemed elusive. A half-chance for Oranje’s Atharva almost broke the deadlock, yet his header sailed just wide, while MYJ’s Kamran Ansari saw his effort saved comfortably by Wall of MH Oranje FC, Mukunthan.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half, and it was a moment of magic from MYJ-GMSC’s Jay Bhavani. Picking up the ball 20 yards from goal, Jay unleashed a brilliant curling shot that dipped just in time. The ball arced beautifully into the top-right corner, leaving Oranje’s goalkeeper Mukunthan helpless.

Stung by the setback, Oranje FC ramped up their attack. Just before halftime, Nitesh Monde delivered a precise cross into the box. Atharva’s initial header was met with an impressive save by MYJ’s Manoj which went for corner kick, corner was delivered around the 6 yard box and Yogesh Kadam was quick to react, nodding in the equalizer from close range, ensuring the teams headed into the break on level terms.

The second half began with MYJ-GMSC pressing hard, testing Mukunthan on multiple occasions. Kamran Ansari and Himanshu Patil both came close, their efforts forcing agile saves from the Oranje goalkeeper, who was proving to be a wall for his side. MYJ’s dominance was evident, yet they couldn’t capitalize on their momentum kudos to some exceptional goalkeeping by MH Oranje FC Mukunthan.

As the game wore on, Oranje FC began to find their rhythm again. A counterattack in the dying stages saw Sahil Bhokare dart past his marker, threading a perfect through-ball to Shane Arhana. Shane’s attempt, however, missed the mark, drawing groans from Oranje bench.

The final act of drama unfolded in stoppage time. Oranje substitute Duane trapped a corner delivery and turned swiftly, firing a fierce shot toward the goal. Manoj, with lightning-fast reflexes, pulled off a stunning save, ensuring MYJ-GMSC secured a point.

With both teams locked in a battle for semifinal qualification, the draw leaves everything to play for in their final group matches against Mumbay FC.

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