Table toppers Karnataka Sports Association (KSA) were held by the Mumbai Strikers on a very warm Wednesday afternoon. Walking unbeaten onto the pitch, MS were looking to extend their stupendous run against the in-form KSA.
A very eventful game right from the beginning, MS created a chance in the first minute with midfielder Akshay D finding Ravish D’s run. However, the desperate KSA keeper came out of his box to handle and avoid the ball landing in the goal. The keeper was shown a quick yellow card for his action and it did not go down well with the opponents as the moment technically deserved marching orders. 30 minutes into the match, KSA broke the deadlock with a stunner from out of the box. In reply, MS pumped up the tempo and earned a penalty in a quick run of play. To everyones disappointment, the keeper kept out Ravish D’s shot and denied an equaliser. While everyone thought the chance to equalise is still far off, a rash tackle by the KSA keeper in his area helped MS earn another penalty shot within a few minutes. An early shower for the KSA keeper as he earned his second yellow of the game. MS Forward Jay Wadhwa stepped up to take the spot kick this time as he faced KSA’s second keeper who just came off the bench. Jay struck the ball well towards target but the keeper kept this one out as well and pulled of a double save on the rebound. However, it was out of reach this time as Ravish D tapped the ball into the goal and finally found the equaliser.
The second half was tremendously intense as KSA were a man short and they did well to cover up the space and pile on the pressure. MS failed to convert yet again even though they created a few chances which could help them gain the lead. Towards the dying moments of the game, KSA came very close to taking the lead after their midfielder slammed a thunderous shot that struck the inside of the post and went out of play. MS held them well and avoided any last moment shocks to walk away with the share of the spoils.
MS will play GMSC on 19th February and will look to maintain their streak. However, a win is most needed to stay atop.