In a thrilling I-League encounter, Sreenidi Deccan FC snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over 10-man Rajasthan United with two stoppage-time goals at the Deccan Arena on Tuesday. The win keeps Sreenidi Deccan's title hopes alive as they moved to second place in the standings.
Match Summary
Rajasthan United took the lead in the 23rd minute through a well-taken goal by Laldinliana Renthlei, who finished off a counter-attack. The visitors seemed in control until the 68th minute when defender Lalchungnunga was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Sreenidi's David Castaneda. Despite being a man down, Rajasthan defended resolutely until the dying minutes.
Dramatic Finish
In the 90th minute, Sreenidi Deccan equalized through a header from substitute Faysal Shayesteh, who rose highest to meet a cross from the right. Deep into stoppage time, with the clock showing 90+5 minutes, defender Orok Essien scored the winner with a powerful strike from inside the box after a goalmouth scramble. The home crowd erupted as Sreenidi completed a remarkable turnaround.
- Rajasthan United's red card proved costly as they could not hold on to their lead.
- Sreenidi Deccan's persistence paid off with two late goals.
- The result leaves Rajasthan United in the bottom half of the table.
Speaking after the match, Sreenidi Deccan's head coach praised his team's never-say-die attitude. "We kept believing until the end, and the players showed great character to get the win," he said. Rajasthan United's coach expressed disappointment, stating, "We defended well for most of the game but lost concentration in the final moments."
The victory sees Sreenidi Deccan close the gap on league leaders Gokulam Kerala, while Rajasthan United remain in eighth place. The I-League title race continues to intensify with several teams in contention.
