DEFENDING champions Rahul Sankrutyayan Sports Association started their title defence on a losing note as they went down to Qidwai Sports Club in the opening encounter of JSW-NDFA Elite Division League at Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Football Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The fans were back on the football field for the Elite Division after almost two years and they thoroughly enjoyed the game from behind the chained fence. The stunning 2-0 win helped Qidwai open their account with three points. Qidwai scored a goal each on either side of half. But the best goal was the second one from substitute Amir Anjum whose powerful right footer from near the centre line went into the net with Rahul goalkeeper Dipesh Burrewar becoming a spectator.

 

Earlier, Qidwai took the lead in the 18th minute when a calculated pass from the right from Allan Anthony was well collected by an unmarked Pranay Lamghare at the edge of the rectangle. Lamghare shot the ball to the left corner even as Rahul keeper Burrewar dived to deflect it away. However, the ball rebounded from the post and to the bad luck of Burrewar ricocheted from him and crossed the line. Rahul desperately missed two of their best players in midfielder Vasu Kanojiya and defender Stanley Peter who are on Maharashtra duty for Santosh Trophy Championship. Their midfielders looked disorganised who failed to form a link between forward and defence. Sagar Chintala and Rahul Neware did well at the back to thwart some dangerous moves from Qidwai forwards Sahil Meshram, Allan, Talha Ahmad and Lamghare.

 

Both the teams took advantage of the five substitutions rule but still players were seen getting injured due to muscle pulls and cramps. Rahul had their chances in the match but were unable to convert them. Valerian Paul, Blesson Saji, Badal Soren looked threatening at times but lacked finishing. In the 20th minute Soren had an opportunity to draw parity but his powerful right footer was well gathered by Qidwai keeper Sunil Pillay. Pillay was substituted in the dying minutes of first half after he pulled a muscle while collecting an aerial ball. On Monday: Nagpur Blues vs Rabbani Club, Kamptee at 2.30 pm.