Shivajians begin campaign with hard-fought win

Shivajians started the match on a tentative note as they conceded the first goal in the 25th minute of the match as Banshai Sunn scored the opening goal. After conceding the first goal,Shivajians gave their opponents a fitting reply as they equalized in the 38th minute as Keegan Perreira tapped in an accurate Subhojit Mazumdar pass. After scoring the crucial equalizer Shivajians consistently harried their opponents,stringing some good offensive moves. The pressure paid off as Shivajians took the lead in the 43rd minute. Malsawmfela gave his side the lead in converting a perfectly weighted Dicson Ogukwe pass.

Shivajians kept up the pressure on their opponents in the second half as well with their midfielders and forwards consistently getting into good positions. This sustained spell of pressure yielded dividends as an incisive run by Perreira ended in a cross to Motonobu Hosono. The striker calmly controlled the ball,took a step away from a defender and clinically put the ball into the corner of the net.

Rangadajied United FC tried their best to mount a comeback but the Shivajians defense held strong. However,the outfit from Meghalaya continued to plug away with their wingers constantly causing the Shivajians full-backs trouble. Babatunde Ayomide managed to get his name on the scoresheet in the 85th minute to narrow the difference. However,the club from Pune held its nerve to close out the game and pocket three points.

Shivajians will now take on KGF Sports Academy on March 11 as they push for qualification to the I-League first division.