KOLKATA, Feb 28: Pedro Manzi’s brace — a long-range stunner, and a header — helped a 10-man Mohammedan SC beat Real Kashmir FC 2-0 in an I-League match here on Sunday.
This is Real Kashmir’s first defeat in the tournament while Mohammedan Sporting with 16 points from 10 games have now ensured a top-six finish.
After skipper Kingsley Eze was sent off in the first half, Pedro proved to be the trump card for Mohammedan as he scored two goals in the space of five minutes in the second half to lead the Black Panthers into top half.
Despite dominating possession for much of the first half, a listless performance in the attacking department let Mohammedan SC down again, in the first half.
Even new recruit Maanzi could not work his magic in a half where Mohammedan had almost 80 per cent ball possession.
The Black Panthers could only muster half-chances and Vanlalbiaa Chhangte proved to be a live-wire in the final third.
Meanwhile, Real Kashmir enjoyed sitting deep and tried to attack through long balls for Lukman Adefemi and Mason Robertson up front.
The Snow Leopards, boasting one of the best defensive records in the league, played as though they had shut-shop for any Mohammedan attack, comfortably keeping their opponents at bay.
In a deja vu of his goal in the 2018-19 edition of the Hero I-League when he was playing for Chennai City FC, Manzi once again delivered a goal for the highlight reels. The forward saw the opposition goalkeeper off his lines and shot from inside his own half to hand Mohammedan the lead in the 74th minute.
In the 79th minute, Manzi headed home from close range after a cross from the right flank found him unmarked inside the box.
With a two-goal advantage, Mohammedan committed bodies in defense and eventually pulled off a miracle as the full-time scoreline read 2-0 in the Black Panther’s favour.
Other matches
Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) FC came from behind twice to beat I-League newcomers Sudeva Delhi 3-2 on Sunday. With the win, TRAU has now ensured a top-six finish in the I-League.
Also, Aizawl FC thrashed Chennai City 3-0 at the Kalyani Stadium on Sunday.
The win, however, failed to propel Aizawl into the top-six. The side from Mizoram finished on seventh place with 15 points. (PTI)
