Super Cup: Advantage Kerala as Rajasthan stun Mumbai City

Margao: Rajasthan United FC turned group D on its head with a stunning 1-0 win against Mumbai City as three of the four teams now have a chance at qualification in the Super Cup.Top-tier sides Mumbai City and Kerala Blasters were counted among the favourites to top the group and qualify for the semifinals, but Rajasthan’s win against the former ISL champions means they now have a chance too after Colombian striker Blandon Junior’s 43rd minute goal helped secure a memorable win.Mumbai were found wanting and hardly created anything of note against a disciplined Rajasthan, who are preparing for the I-League, Indian football’s second tier.“We had a plan, and every player was assigned roles,” said Rajasthan coach Vikrant Sharma. “I always believe the team being together is more important than individual skills. In football, anything can happen.”Kerala Blasters are on top of the group with an all-win record after two games, which includes the solitary goal victory against 10-man Rajasthan in the opener.

At Bambolim on Monday, they boosted their goal difference after defeating Sporting Club Delhi 3-0 and now need a point against Mumbai in the concluding clash.David Catala’s side finished the task in the first half itself, with Spaniard Koldo Obieta (18’, 23’) netting a quick brace within a span of five minutes. Later, Thingujam Korou Singh scored the third goal with a delightful bicycle kick from inside the box.Kerala were impressive from the start and could have taken the lead in the fifth minute when captain Adrian Luna swung in a corner.

However, Juan Rodriquez’s header hit the crossbar and rebounded into play.Kerala went ahead in the 18th minute with a composed finish from Obieta.Five minutes later, Obieta had another one. Thingujam crossed and Nihal Sudeesh got the ball under control, which he passed to the Spanish striker, who broke Delhi’s defence easily, shooting past goalkeeper Vishal Yadav.In the 34th minute, Thingujam scored the third through a fine bicycle kick, after an overhead assist from Luna.

It was Delhi’s goal kick, but they lost the ball and Kerala made them pay.Soon after restart, Noah came close, while at the other end, Sourav launched a counter but couldn’t finish after nearly covering half the pitch.Kerala continued to hold the ball for long spells as Delhi were mostly on the back-foot.Tomas Tchorz’s side should have reduced the margin in the dying minutes after a defensive lapse, but Augustine Lalrochana’s close ranger was blocked well by keeper Nora Fernandes.In added time, Kerala hit the post for the second time in the game as substitute Tiago Alves’ was left frustrated from his freekick.