I-League: Mohammedan and NEROCA play thrilling draw

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 18 (ANI): Mohammedan Sporting Club and NEROCA played out an exciting 1-1 draw in the I-League 2021/22, here at the Kalyani Stadium on Monday.
Marcus Joseph headed Mohammedan into the lead, before Sergio Mendigutxia scored an opportunistic goal to level and ensure both teams shared a point each in a match of missed chances.
The draw meant that Mohammedan continue to occupy second position in the league table, while NEROCA moved into fifth position, ahead of Churchill Brothers who have played a match less.
Against the run of play, Mohammedan won a never-to-be corner-kick, which led to the opening goal which also included casual defending by NEROCA. Off the corner, Brandon Vanlalremdika played back to Rudovic, who in turn intelligently put Brandon into possession. Moving deep into the box, Brandon crossed and to his delight found striker Marcus Joseph to utilise the opportunity of not being marked by defenders Md. Abdul Salam and Thokchom James Singh and head home his 11th goal of the season past goalkeeper Prateek Kumar.
NEROCA struck back soon as Yumkhaibam Jiteshwor Singh drove the ball across the field and found an unmarked Sweden Fernandes inside the box. An angular drive by Sweden was well-read and covered by ‘keeper Mithun, but a fumble in the collection was just enough for NEROCA striker Mendigutxia to capitalize and tap home his 10th goal of the campaign ahead of defender Sujit Sadhu.
The second half began with Mohammedan almost scoring. Joseph had his header rock horizontal which fell in the path of Stojanovic, whose attempt was put away by goalkeeper Prateek for a corner-kick.
The game thereafter was a case of desperate moves and at full-time, it ended with 1-1. (ANI)