Naman Suri in Mumbai
As the sun started to dip below the horizon, India’s brightest young talents took to the pitch one final time in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) final. Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) U-21 began the match against Classic Football Academy with the same aggressive intent that saw them dismantle Jamshedpur FC in the semi-final. And it paid off once again.
The Mariners’ high press bore fruit within the opening 10 minutes. The move began with Sandeep Malik embarking on a solo run from his own half, weaving past three defenders before linking up beautifully with Thumsol Tongsin. A clever backheel from Tongsin took two Classic defenders out of the equation and found Malik in space, who laid it off to Pasang Dorjee Tamang at the edge of the box. Tamang cut inside with a deft touch, wrong-footing the defender, and unleashed a curling strike into the right top corner. The Classic goalkeeper could do little but watch the ball go in.
Despite Mariners’ dominant start, Classic responded with intensity. In the 21st minute, their set-piece specialist, MD Arbash, delivered a teasing ball into the box via a free kick, which was met by a floaty header, only for the MBSG ‘keeper to parry it away from the top-right corner. Moments later, a goalmouth scramble from a corner gave Classic’s Punit Thangjam a golden opportunity from close range, but he blazed his shot over the bar.
Those missed chances proved costly. As two minutes later, in the 23rd minute, MBSG capitalised on Classic’s shaky defending. A poorly defended cross from the right flank found Padang unmarked, who coolly slotted it past the ‘keeper for the second goal.
The remainder of the first half saw MBSG pile on the pressure, attempting multiple shots on goal, including an audacious overhead kick attempt, which failed to connect with the ball. The Mariners looked like they were playing with freedom and flair, with Tamang proving to be a constant menace on the left wing, terrorising Classic’s defenders.
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The second half mirrored the first, with Tamang rounding off his brilliant game with a hat-trick and putting the game beyond doubt. A grounded cross from the right flank bypassed a static Classic defence, and Serto Worneilen Kom set it up perfectly for Tamang to fire home for his third of the evening. The ‘keeper once again stood no chance.
Classic’s failure to deal with MBSG’s wing play, especially Tamang on the left, ultimately proved fatal. Though they tried to mount attacks of their own, mostly from the right flank, MBSG’s defence stood firm, calmly repelling any danger that came their way.
Despite showing intent and pressing high, Classic’s composure waned with each wasted opportunity. The body language of their players began to reflect the uphill task in front of them. In the end, MBSG’s defence held strong, not allowing a single clear-cut opportunity near their goal in the second half.
Interestingly, these two teams had met earlier in the National Group Stage, a match which ended in a goalless draw. But in the final, there was no doubt as to which side rose to the occasion.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant U-21, like their senior counterparts are now champions, riding on an excellent performance and a hat-trick from the electrifying Tamang.
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