AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: A white-knuckle clash between AIFF U-19 Elite Academy and Dempo SC reserve’s settled down with a 2-2 draw. 

In the early exchanges of the game, a noteworthy persistence in midfield demonstrated by the AIFF’s Hayden Fernandes produced Milan Basumatary’s pile-driver from the narrow angle and Suman Sarkar’s header from the point blank range, the Dempo SC’s goal-keeper stretched acrobatically to deny the efforts on both the occasions. 

Clear-cut chances were at premium for either team, who met for the first time in this November. Daniel Lalhlimpuia was a threat in the attacking midfielder’s role and Suman Sarkar added a bit of pace and guile on the flank. It soon became very clear that the AIFF U-19 would be a strong proposition for the Goan outfits.

The AIFF’s pace and agility vexed the Dempo SC throughout the first half but most of their attacks fizzled out before causing any danger. Near the half-hour mark Myron Mendes for Dempo SC evaded into the space between the AIFF’s centre backs and the slammed the ball past AIFF’s keeper Arshdeep Singh.

The AIFF’s response, however, was immediate and similar. Dempo SC botched to keep away an early cross from the left and the baggy clearance from the defence saw the ball into the feet of Daniel Lalhlimpuia, the freebooter fired inside the back of the post to settle debts for the AIFF.

At the end of the first half the score was 1-1.

Straight after the break, the AIFF picked for more direct line of attack –which became a theme for the second period. Four Minute in, Substitute Kapil Boro’s 35 yards snapshot clipped the crossbar followed by Rakesh Oram’s powerful header off Kapil’s cross screaming towards goal was ruled out by off-side.

Shahbaaz khan placed his low decisive cross from the right which was netted into his own goal by the ace Dempo Defender Sameer Naik.

But Dempo’s weren’t done yet, midway through the half, striker Uttam Rai leaped highest to head home a cross from Myron Mendes.

There were chances at either end as the clock wound down, but the game ended all square.

The next friendly games is schedule on November 15 against Dempo SC at Sesa FA, Sircaim,Goa.