Sporting grab last minute equalizer
Dimapur, February 24 (MExN): In a much-awaited face-off, fourth placed Nizams FC managed to hold Natak FC to a goalless draw in the first match of Matchday 11 at 1st NAP ground on Saturday.
Having more than 3 points at stake, the match witnessed a feisty first half, with both teams trying to outplay each other. Nizams failed to score despite having multiple shots on goal as none of them could beat the Natak goalkeeper, Tiasunep.They could even have taken the lead in the first half, were it not for the Natak custodian, who made a splendid save off the penalty kick awarded to Nizams FC after a rough tackle inside the box byYanger.Natakalso came close to scoring multiple timesbut were wasteful with their chances.
Although both teams kept pressing for the lead, the first half ended with neither finding a meaningful breakthrough.The second half resumed and both teams appeared to be more composed butwere left holding on in the closing stages as they tried in vain to open upeach other’s defence. Time ran out with no significant change, leaving them to share the spoils at full time.
Despite having to settle for a draw, Nizams FC managerAyetoAyemi was all praise for the team. “It was a good match. Our boys proved we are champions material in CPL today by holding the league leaders,” Ayeto said after the match.
At the DGP ground, Trinity Sporting were denied a win in the last minute as Repa Alem netted in Sporting Union’s second goal, cancelling out goals by Gigin and Lipokfor Trinity Sporting.
With 19 points to their name before matchday 11, Sporting Union looked to topple second spot holders Trinity Sporting who had amassed 21 points so far.
However, for the major part of the match, Trinity looked to be in control of the game and Gigin’s goal earned them the lead in the first half. Sporting managed to equalize in the second half when Anwar’s shot found the net but were left trailing again as Lipok netted the second goal for Trinity.
The match looked as good as won for Trinity untilChubaonen’slast-minute defensive errorcost them their lead. Chuba’s bid to pass the ball to the goalkeeper found Repa instead and he netted it home, bringing the match to a 2-2 draw at full time.
The last-gasp equalizer, however, did not affect Trinity’s standings as both teams retained their previous matchday positions with the shared point.
In another must-win match for Ruboo United, FC Joga Bonito disappointed the lads in purple with a 1-0 win. Aito’s return from a shoulder injury boosted Ruboo’s hopes to see off the 6th place Joga, who had recently lost to Nizams in their last outing. However, A first half goal by Lipok ensured a win for Joga as Ruboo’s concerted efforts failed to make an impact.
In the second match at the DGP ground, CASE FC beat Super Strikers 2-1. Case FC was awarded a penalty in the 19th minute after Super Strikers defenders handled the ball in the penalty area. Abenthung coolly converted the penalty to make it 1-0. Case FC increased their leadearly on in the second half after Suya tapped the ball into the net.
Super Strikers fought hard to get back into the game and managed to add one to their scoreline when Vayu converted a brilliant pass from Michael in the 45th minute.
The closely contested matchwas brought to a closeafter two players from Superstrikerswere shown a straight red following a tussle in the field.
After Matchday 11, the league table remained unchanged, as all teams retained their positions, with Natak FC still on top, followed by Trinity, Sporting Union and Nizams FC in the top four.
