U-19 I-League: Hindustan FC Qualify

North India outfit Hindustan FC’s colts have made their way into the Final Round of the U-19 I-League tournament on Saturday, April 12.

The side, coached by Biswanath Kundu, beat Bengaluru FC u-19 3-1 in the final game of the Rest Of India Zone Group A in Noamundi. Both teams were deemed as strong sides and crowds had thronged to the stadium from the morning itself waiting early for the game in the afternoon.

This win took Kundu’s side to the top of the table with seven points from three games (all matches of the group have been played).

Hindustan got the lead in the 59th minute of the game courtesy of a penalty kick from Pawan Joshi. His goal was followed by another in the 64th minute by Rakib Khan.

The Delhi outfit were gaining momentum following their two-goal lead, but Bengaluru earned a penalty in the 67th minute, and skipper Suhash slotted neatly into the net. 

The icing on the cake for Hindustan was decorated by Deepesh Rana, who scored in the 90th minute with a powerful volley from as far as 25 meters away from the goal.

The game also saw Suhash getting a red owing to yellow cards – in the 65th and the 72nd minute – of the match.

Hindustan FC now join Sesa Academy, AIFF Navi Mumbai Academy, Shillong Lajong, and East Bengal in the Final Round. Only one team is yet to qualify – from the ROI Group B.