Today at the Bidhannagar MSC ground, Kibu Vicuña’s Diamond Harbour FC played their last group match against Patha Chakra and won the match with a 2-1 scoreline. With this victory, they qualified for the ongoing Calcutta Football League’s last six with an unbeaten streak.
The condition of the ground was not good due to daily practices, matches, and rain, which made it heavy. Both teams started the match with an attacking strategy, building up several attacks, but the goalkeepers were not tested.
Narohari Shreshtha created a good chance to open the score for Diamond Harbour FC, but in a one-on-one situation with the keeper inside the box, Patha Chakra’s defender Sahil intercepted the ball and managed to clear it. It was a golden opportunity, but Narohari Shreshtha delayed a bit in taking the shot, allowing it to be brilliantly defended.
But in the 42nd minute, Girik Khosla found the net with a flying header, and gave Diamond Harbour FC the lead. With dominating possession and a lead, Diamond Harbour FC ended the first half.
In the 65th minute of the second half, Carlos was fouled by the Patha Chakra keeper inside the box. He was making a goal-bound attack when the goalkeeper stopped him unfairly, resulting in a penalty for Diamond Harbour FC. Narohari Shreshtha took the penalty and doubled their score.
Within four minutes of the last goal, Patha Chakra opened up their scoreline. From a counterattack, substitute player Anubrata Maity made a quick run with the ball and, in a one-on-one situation, placed it into the net.
In the 74th minute, the captain of Patha Chakra roughly fouled Girik Khosla on the left flank. After receiving his second yellow card, he was shown a red card and sent off the field.
Sometimes the players had trouble due to the mud and heavy ground. In the last minute of added time, the 90+6th minute, substitute player Vishal took a powerful long shot, but it was saved by the Patha Chakra keeper, preventing his team from conceding more goals. However the match ended with a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Diamond Harbour FC today.
Throughout the match, Girik Khosla played an effective game and scored a brilliant goal. He was unstoppable today, dominating the entire field. Girik received the Man of the Match award for his striking performance.
