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Chirag United Kerala and HAL began their third game of the I-League U-20 desperate for their first win in the humid conditions of Navi Mumbai but the boys from Kerala were relieved to register a comfortable 3-0 win.
The game began at a cautious pace with neither side taking control of the game. It looked as if the team committing lesser mistakes will go through with faulty passes flowing like a river in the monsoon. The HAL Goalkeeper Prabhakar looked out of sorts as his goal kick flew out of the half way line.
A curling free kick from Chirag’s Anoop Pauly hit the post on 10 minutes. A tough midfield battle ensued resulting in a good save from the HAL custodian Prabhakar as he parried away a Mousuf Naizan (CUK) shot. Anoop Pauly (CUK) took a cross from the right on his chest but the resulting shot was weak.
On 21 minutes CUK had a brilliant chance to go ahead as Mousuf Naizan (CUK) pass found Girish AV (CUK) one on one with the HAL goalkeeper in the box but the custodian was up for it and pulled off a spectacular save. Mousuf Nazan was in top form creating plays and found Girish AV with a through ball but Girish was indecisive and the HAL defence caught up with him to clear the ball into safety.
CUK got a corner on 31 minutes. The HAL defence failed to clear the floating ball only for CUK no.8 Anoop Pauly to hammer in Chirag United Kerala’s first goal of the game. The HAL defence was subject to a barrage of attacks from then as CUK kept missing chances with poor finishing. The second goal for Chirag came in the 67th minute with Rahul Raj heading in from a corner. Rahul Raj scored his second goal in the 87th minute. A curling cross from the left flank by Abhil B was headed in by Rahul as he celebrated his second with a mini dance.
Chirag United Kerala’s fate now depends on other results in the I-League U20 as they become equal on points (3 points) with Air India and Pune FC having played one game more.
