AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: With both teams locked at three points after the first round, this clash was vital for either team’s chances to qualify for the semi-finals. Mohammedan SC rose up to the challenge to seal a 4-3 win over Super Strikers FC. Thanks to the win, the Black Panthers are now favourites to book their place in the semi-final of the maiden edition of Hero Futsal Club Championship.

Super Strikers were coming into this game after a tightly-contested victory against Chanmari Zothan. Mohammedan SC were always going to prove a big challenge for them, and they showed it by opening the scoring in the third minute via Sandesh Malpote.

Super Strikers kept on pushing after that goal, and got their reward as well. Surya and Vijay R scored in the 13th and 15th minute respectively, putting the side from Bengaluru into the lead which they took into the break.

After the changeover, Mohammedan SC came out with renewed vigour and scored minutes into the second half, as Sachin Patil equalised and put his side back on level terms. Sachin then scored his second goal of the game, to secure a slender lead for the Kolkata-based side. Super Strikers responded in their own manner as well, with Surya U K scoring his second goal of the game to level the scores for the third time in the game.

Things got a bit heated after that goal, as the referee flashed yellow cards for Sherman Vaz and Joshuah Vaz from Mohammedan SC, and Surya U K from Super Strikers FC. Finally, in the dying moments of the game, 15-year old Rui Carlo rose to the occasion as he scored the winner and secured a significant win for Mohammedan SC.

After this match, Mohammedan SC move atop of the table in group A and are odds-on to qualify for the next round. Chanmari Zothan and Super Strikers FC still have an outside shout provided other results go in their favour.