NEROCA FC 0
lost to
Mohammedan Sporting 2 (Eddie Hernandez 42’, 55’)

AIFF Media Team

SHILLONG: Mohammedan Sporting’s title hunt in the I-League 2023–24 continued to stay on the right track when they defeated bottom spooners NEROCA FC 2-0 at the SSA Stadium on Sunday, March 17, 2024.

Prolific Honduras striker Eddie Hernandez scored once in each half (42’, 55’) to take his team eight points clear of their nearest rivals, Sreenidi Deccan FC in the title chase. While Mohammedan Sporting now have 47 points from 20 matches, Sreenidi Deccan have 39, followed by Real Kashmir FC and Gokulam Kerala FC 36 points each. It is now difficult to imagine any other team having a pip at the title unless the Kolkata side flounder in their next four rounds.

If anyone had an idea that it could be a one-sided affair between the top side and the last team in the 13-team league, then he or she was in for a surprise. NEROCA FC, who have only seven points from 18 matches, had nothing to lose against the most successful side in the ongoing league and decided to play a free game with an attacking mindset. While it left their more fancied opponents somewhat amused, the home side found the opportunity to create more than one chance at the Mohammedan goalmouth.

Mohammedan Sporting, of course, had the last laugh. After all, they were by far the better side, more composed in midfield and sharper in attacks. Yet, they had to wait until the 42^nd minute to score their first goal. Mohammed Jasim initiated the attack from the left and his copybook cross reached the goalmouth, with Harnandez being surrounded by a host of defenders. But the Honduras striker created space for himself with a quick turn and flicked the ball with his right to beat Khoirom Jackson Singh under the bar.

Unperturbed, NEROCA FC began the second half with a couple of bold moves that kept the Mohammedan Sporting defence busy. The best chance for the home side came in the 49^th minute, when Tangva Ragui took a shot from the top of the box that had goalkeeper Padam Chettri truly beaten. But to the good luck of the Kolkata side, the ball shook the post before returning to play.

When it clearly appeared that Mohammedan Sporting urgently needed an insurance goal to thwart their ever-persisting rivals, Eddie Fernandez came alive once again in the 55^th minute. His second goal was almost an encore to the first. It was yet another cross at the goalmouth, this time, Beneston Barretto was the provider, and Hernandez was waiting in the right place to slam the ball in for his 13^th goal of the season.