Bengaluru, Oct 11: Nigerian centre back Loveday Okechukwu scored in the dying minutes of the game to seal a 1-0 win for Madan Maharaj FC over Ryntih SC in the I-League Qualifiers here on Monday.
Ryntih SC dominated proceedings for the majority of the contest, but were left to rue their missed opportunities as the experienced Madan Maharaj side held on to snatch a late winner (90′) at the Bangalore Football Stadium. The defeat ended Ryntih SC’s chances of making it to the final round of the I-League Qualifiers.
After a tenacious start from both teams where neither side was willing to give an inch, the first moment of concern came in the 19th minute from a wide free kick for Ryntih SC.
As Allen Lyngdoh swung in a cross from the right wing, Madan Maharaj FC needed all hands on deck to clear the danger. The sight of goal boosted the Meghalaya club’s morale, as Ryntih SC produced their first shot on target through Chesterpoul Lyngdoh just moments later.
In the 24th minute, Carlos Challam set off with intent on a searching run inside the box before being nudged off the ball by opposition forward Amarendu Chakraborty.
Chesterpoul Lyngdoh found himself in sight of goal again in the 25th minute when he got on the end of a cross from Allen Lyngdoh.
As the game inched towards the final whistle, Madan Maharaj FC’s Nigerian centre back Okechukwu rose highest from a set piece to send a looping header over Ryntih goalkeeper Neithovilie Chalieu. (PTI)
