Ranti does it for Rangdajied
SHILLONG: This season’s I-League once again demonstrated just why it is necessary to expect the unexpected as Rangdajied United FC delivered a massive upset by defeating table-toppers Bengaluru FC 3-2 at the JN Stadium, Polo, on Saturday evening.
Hering Shangpliang’s debut match in charge of the Shillong club could not have ended better with Steven Dias and T Lalnunpuia scoring in the first half and new signing Ranti Martins providing the winner after Bengaluru fought back brilliantly in the second session.
This was only Rangdajied’s third victory of the season and could not have come at a more important time as the junior team in the League battles to escape relegation with the season drawing to a close.
A glance at the standings after the game, however, shows no improvement in the Blues’ position. They are still dead last in 13th place, but tied on points with Churchill Brothers in 12th.
Nevertheless, this victory should give them a massive boost, although Shangpliang noted that there is still a lot of work to be done.
“All credit to the players,” the renowned Meghalayan coach said after the game, singling out striker Ranti, who recently joined the club from United SC.
Hired just a few days before the fixture, Shangpliang said that his main role in that time was to act as motivator to his new charges.
“There is still a lot of hard work to be done,” he added. “In terms of fitness, especially.”
Bengaluru coach Ashley Westwood felt that the hosts’ first goal was a little fortuitous, but whatever it was, it was a huge fillip to the boys in the blue.
Looking for Ranti, the ball was played into the Bengaluru box but was headed away by a defender, straight to Dias outside of the area. He set himself up nicely before taking his shot, which was perfectly placed into the top right corner beyond goalkeeper Pawan Kumar’s reach.
Ranti and Dias then combined 15 minutes later with some delightful short, quick passes on the right that caught the visitors by surprise. Then darting forward, Dias delivered a perfect cross across the face of the goal for the blistering quick Lalnunpuia to rush in an head the ball in, makin it 2-0.
Despite Bengaluru looking positive, they went into the break trailing RUFC.
However, they came out in the second half far more lively, always on the lookout for an opening.
In the 52nd minute Sean Rooney’s attempt from close out hit the upright but it was just eight minutes later that Bengaluru got the first of their goals after a scrap in the box saw Chhetri with the ball. The Indian captain took his time and did not kick the ball too hard, neatly striking it into the back of the net.
Before Rangdajied could even catch their breath, Rooney earned the equaliser.
Unlike his skipper, he did not have a lot of time, having been passed the ball on the right, and he smashed the ball from the corner of the box into the net.
The hosts had a bit of luck in their third goal, with a header from Kim Song Yong hitting the upright and staying in play.
Ranti was, however, quick on the ball and put his new team back into the lead in the 76th minute by tapping the ball in.
Both teams continued to play hard, but fair, and with half chances coming both sides’ way, it was a thoroughly engaging game of football for the fans who gathered on a chilly evening in the city.
Practically the last bit of action in the match saw Ranti cap a great first game for Rangdajied by striking the upright and he was subsequently named the Man-of-the-Match.
Bengaluru are still two points clear of second-placed Pune FC, who drew 0-0 against Mumbai FC, the 10th-placed team, in the late game on Saturday.
The leaders will next play on March 8 against Churchill at home.
Rangdajied, for their part, will go up against Ranti’s former club United SC the day after that in the second of three consecutive matches at home.
Kolkata derby drawn
Meanwhile, Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal had to settle for a 1-1 draw when the two teams clashed in a city derby.
The red and golds were technically hosts for this contest.
East Bengal went ahead with a James Moga header in the 39th minute while Bagan restored parity in the 67th when CS Sabeeth headed home after opposition keeper Gurpreet Singh spilled the ball.
Both teams now have 20 points each, putting them level with seventh-placed United SC.
East Bengal have played 14 games while Mohun Bagan have had 18.