Mohammedan SC fail to overcome Southern Samity hurdle

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club went down fighting 0-2 to Southern Samity in their Preliminary Round Group-B fixture of the 2nd Division League at Barasat Stadium on Saturday.

Southern Samity took the lead in the first-half courtesy an Lancine Toure own-goal before Kalu Ogba doubled the advantage late in the second-half to hand Mohammedan SC their second defeat in the league.

The result saw Southern Samity remained at the top of the table with 9 points from 4 games while Mohammedan SC slipped to third spot on 6 points from 4 games.

Going into the game Mohammedan SC coach Ranjan Chaudhury  made four changes to the side that beat Hindustan FC 1-0 last week as Reisangmei Vashum, Pranit Lama and Sheikh Faiaz filled in for Atinder Mani, Nitesh Chhikara and Mumtaz Akhtar while Laldampuia Tochhong came at the expense of Dipendu Dowary, who is suffering from chickenpox.

Mohammedan SC began the game cautiously and held firm at the back in the early exchanges. After a few half chances, Mohammedan SC had a close chances around the quarter hour mark when Laldampia’s long range effort was blocked by the rival custodian Sandip Nandy.

While Mohammedan SC continued pushing forward, Manvir Singh almost gave them the lead in the 24th minute but his spectacular shot from edge of the box but it flew over the bar.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Southern Samity went ahead against the run of play when Toure scored an own goal in his attempt to clear Ronald Singh’s left sided cross in the 41st minute.

Having conceded, Mohammedan SC attacked with intensity through Leonce Dodoz and Manvir, but Southern Samity managed to hold on defending deep as the first half ended 1-0.

Mohammedan SC had a good start to the second-half and created a couple of chances early on but once again it was the finishing that was lacking.

Throughout the session, multiple chances fell for Dodoz and Manvir, but the duo weren’t able to capitalise as Southern Samity preferred to consume time and see out the game.

Midway through the second-half, Mohammedan SC introduced Vanlabiaa Chhangte and Alexandre Tabillon with seeking an equalizer.

However, it was Southern Samity who doubled their lead in the 88th minute. Kalu collected the ball from midfield and ran past a couple of defenders before slotting into the far side of the net.

Mohammedan SC threw everything they had at Southern Samity defence in the last few minutes of the game, but Southern Samity refused to submit and ended up having the last laugh.

Mohammedan SC next face Hindustan FC at the Barasat Stadium on 17th Januray.

Start a Conversation

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *