Faraz saves SECR the blushes
   Date :26-Nov-2021

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Akif Faraz turned saviour for South East Central Railway (SECR) Headquarters as his goal helped his side snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat against an energetic Manganese Ore India Limited (MOIL) XI in the JSW-NDFA Elite Division League at Dr BR Ambedkar Football Stadium in Suyog Nagar on Thursday.
Newly-promoted MOIL XI youngsters looked more dominant than veterans from SECR Headquarters, Bilaspur, specially in the first half.
Though most of the players were from Nagpur, a few from SECR Headquarters completed the railmen line-up.
After playing a barren first half, dominated by MOIL XI, SECR were in for a shock when the miners shot into lead in the second minute after resumption.
Midfielder Rupnath Gajpale’s long ball to the left flank was well received by Vijay Admache who moved into the box beating SECR defenders on speed. The railways goalkeeper Amit Chaurasia had no other option but to advance to cut the gap for Admache.
But the MOIL striker cleverly lobbed the ball over Chaurasia’s head to give his side an important lead.
However, lack of experience of playing in the Elite Division was clearly visible in MOIL camp as they started playing a defensive game giving SECR opportunity to press for an equaliser.
SECR made relentless attacks on MOIL but their goalkeeper Suraj Saiyyam was equal to task making some breathtaking saves.
But SECR’s pressure tactics finally paid as Saiyyam was finally beaten by Faraz in the 68th minute.
Faraz drilled in a powerful right footer from the edge of rectangle to draw parity.
With minutes remaining, MOIL got a few opportunities but SECR keeper Chaurasia showed his agility to deny the miners.
Earlier in the first half, MOIL’s Saurabh Kathaute made a goalline save to deny railmen taking lead.
SECR’s Ram Chandra Murmee managed to beat MOIL keeper and shot the ball towards goal but defender Kathaute’s timely volley saved saved his side from an early setback.
On Friday: Nagpur Blues vs Rahul Sankrutyayan Sports Association at 2.30 pm.