I-League: Rajasthan United Triumphs Over Delhi in Final Home Match
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Synopsis
Rajasthan United FC secured their third consecutive victory in the I-League, defeating Delhi FC 3-1 in their final home match of the season at Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium. The hosts led at halftime due to an own goal, with further goals from Cabrera and Raina sealing the win.
Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan United finishes strong in their first I-League season.
- Delhi FC suffers their 14th defeat and is relegated.
- Key players include Cabrera, Raina, and Kamhuka.
- Rajasthan achieved six home wins this season.
- Own goals impacted the match's outcome significantly.
Jaipur, March 28 (NationPress) Rajasthan United FC concluded their inaugural I-League season in Jaipur with a remarkable third consecutive victory, defeating Delhi FC 3-1 at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium on Friday.
The home side led 1-0 at halftime, courtesy of an own goal by Delhi captain Victor Kamhuka (45+4′). Maicol Cabrera (52′) and Martand Raina (84′) netted two more for the hosts, while young talent Hridaya Jain (67′) scored the lone goal for Delhi.
Throughout the season, the Desert Warriors achieved a total of six wins, three draws, and two losses at home. Conversely, Delhi FC, already facing relegation, suffered their 14th loss of the season. After 21 matches, Rajasthan United finds themselves in fifth place with 33 points, while Delhi languishes at the bottom with 13 points.
As anticipated, Rajasthan United began the match with dominance, coming close to scoring several times in the first half. Captain Alain Oyarzun was heavily involved, striking two powerful volleys that were thwarted—first by Kamhuka and then by the crossbar.
In the 43rd minute, Martand Raina redirected a free-kick into the net, but the goal was disallowed by the assistant referee due to Seiminmang Manchong interfering from an offside position. A minute later, Uruguayan Maicol Cabrera tested goalkeeper Lalmuansanga with a fierce shot from distance.
Rajasthan finally opened the scoring just before halftime, albeit through a stroke of luck. Kyrgyz midfielder Bektur Amangeldiev attempted a shot from outside the box, which deflected off Kamhuka and rolled into the net.
Early in the second half, Cabrera doubled the advantage, skillfully chipping the ball over an advancing Lalmuansanga in a one-on-one situation. Desperate to turn the match around, Delhi pushed forward, with Gwgwmsar Goyary narrowly missing the target in the 66th minute.
Just a minute later, the visitors reduced the deficit. Rajasthan goalkeeper James Kithan managed to touch Junior Nkengue’s shot, but it rolled to Hridaya Jain, who scored his fourth goal of the season from close range.
Delhi found the net again in the 81st minute from an unusual circumstance—a long throw by Jestin George went directly into the net without any player touching it. Since a goal cannot be scored from a throw-in, the referee awarded a goal kick.
Rajasthan extinguished any thoughts of a Delhi comeback in the 84th minute when an unmarked Raina headed in Oyarzun’s precise cross from the left, sealing the match at 3-1.
