FC Mangalore Under-17s recorded their first win on opening day after a 2-0 win over Belguam United FC at Belgaum, Karnataka. In what was a high-intensity, hard-fought contest, both goals arrived in the second half courtesy of a brace by team captain Abinash Shalogsem.
The boys went on the offensive right from the whistle and kept the pressure on the opponents in the opening stages. The deadlock was almost broken in the 12th minute when Abhinash set off on a run down the left flank and crossed the ball into the box for Mohammed Nasheef to finish from close range – only for the opposition ‘keeper Venus Ningthoujam to make a reflexive goal-line save.
Both teams played at a very high tempo and opportunities arose and various stages during the first half however it was mostly the instincts of both sets of ‘keepers that kept their respective teams in the game.
At half-time, it was an even contest with both teams at loggerheads with the scores level at 0-0.
On to the second half and the deadlock was finally broken when Abinash beat his marker and latched on to a through ball from the left flank and found himself one-on-one with the ‘keeper. His resulting finish was executed with clinical precision as he unleashed a half-volley that cannoned into the roof of the net to give FCM the lead.
BUFA upped the ante following the setback and committed more players in attack however it was some no-nonsense, old-fashioned defending by the pair of Lakhendra Singh and Gourav Mali that kept the opponents at bay.
The result was sealed when Abinash scored his second of the game in the 56th minute under similar circumstances as the first. This time around, the finish was a well-placed one into the corner of the goal.
At full-time, the boys had registered their first points of the campaign which now sees them travel to Goa for two back-to-back matches against FC Goa and Dempo Sports Club.
FC Mangalore Media spoke with Head Coach Shailesh Karkera in a post-game interview
“Extremely delighted with the result considering we had minimal time to assemble this team and prepare for this game. Overall, the boys stuck to the gameplan and credit goes to both sets of players for their tremendous work-rate, considering that this is a very tricky pitch to play given its size and surface conditions. We have a long way to go and a match to prepare for within the next 48 hours hence it is back to the drawing board now to focus on our areas of improvement and get ready for the next game”
– Shailesh Karkera, Head Coach FCM Under-17s
FCM Media also caught up with Technical Director Mr. Biby Thomas who congratulated the boys on their achievement.
“It has been a good week for Mangalore football with both the Yenepoya University team winning the Zonal Championship and now our U17 boys winning in Belgaum. Winning the opening game of a campaign does wonders to their morale and I hope under the guidance of the support staff, this bunch can achieve great heights”
– Biby Thomas, Technical Director, FC Mangalore
