South United lose again in Second Division

South United Media 

The game saw South United FC (SUFC) create number of good chances but Kerala Blasters FCs (KBFC) ruthlessness in front of goal proved too much for the home side, the away team won by 3-1. 

The game took some time to settle down and fall into a pattern where SUFC saw themselves dominate early proceedings. They created a few openings but nothing that tested the keeper yet.

About 15 minutes into the game, KBFC turned the tide and started to threaten, creating one good opportunity after another. Their good spell saw them go in front through MD Esha whose header from a corner beat the keeper all ends up.

The goal saw KBFC grow as an attacking force as they continued to push forward, however, towards the end of the half, SUFC found themselves on the upswing creating a few half chances but without any real penetration
.
Poor passing from SUFC saw a lot of their good work undone. KBFC’s second goal perplexed the SUFC defence as a simple ball over the top beat their offside trap and Nongdamba Naorem latched onto it, beat SUFC custodian Royal and slotted the ball into the unguarded net.

Trailing 2-0 at halftime, South United pressed high at the start of the second half making it difficult for KBFC to get out of the back. This spell saw them peg KBFC back in their own half for a long period, eventually winning a freekick when Sudipta was fouled in a dangerous area. 

Magesh's low hard free kick was parried by the KBFC custodian but the ball landed at Amit's feet and he makes no mistake smashing the ball into the net to bring his side back into the game.

KBFC realised that the next few minutes would be crucial which saw them fly forward, but SUFC responded with their own attacks to keep KBFC on alert. SUFC created at least 3 good chances in a row that went painfully close or were blocked just in time by KBFC defenders.

KBFC were booting the ball up the pitch towards the end of the game and SUFC built each attack from the back, on one such occasion Kishan’s attempted pass was intercepted by substitute Pragyan Gogoi, who took advantage of the space he was given to let fly from range and his left foot screamer beat Royal to make the score 3-1 in favour of KBFC. 

[Second Div I-League] Ozone lose to Kerala Blasters Reserves but move to the Final round

Despite losing to Kerala Blasters Reserves by a goal in the final game of Group B, Ozone FC Bengaluru qualified to the final round. The all-important goal for the visitors was scored by Suraj Rawat. 

Ozone finished second in the group, however, owing to the rule of ISL reserve teams not eligible to play in the final round of Second Division, Ozone qualified as the next best team. FC Kerala too finished with same points, but Ozone got a better head to head record. 

Also, qualified to the final round is Real Kashmir FC from Group A and Tiddim road athletic union - TRAU from Group C. The fourth team for the final round would be the best second team from three groups, where Hindustan Football Club and FC Kerala stand a bright chance. Hindustan only need a point to qualify, their match today at Delhi against United Delhi Fc was paused due to sandstorm, the remaining minutes of the match will be played tomorrow morning.

Ozone play a draw game against Goa Reserves

Ozone played a 1-1 draw against FC Goa (Reserves) yesterday at Duler Stadium, Goa. The Bengaluru outfit is in Group B and this was their Round 9 match in the group stage. 

After a goalless first half, Ozone took lead from the Brazilian import Robert De Souza in 82nd minute. The host squared up four minutes later, in the injury time from Meldon Dsilva. 

Despite of back-to-back draws, Ozone still lead the table with 19 points. FC Kerala too are on the same point, but the former top the points table owing to a better head-to-head record. 

To ensure a smooth passage to the Final Round, Ozone must win their final group game against Kerala Blasters (Reserves) with whom they play at home on Sunday, May 13. 

File pic