Senegalese forward Papa Babacar Diawara announced his arrival in style with RoundGlass Punjab FC (RGPFC) moving up to the second spot on the Hero I-League standings after they beat Indian Arrows 2-1 at the Kalyani Stadium in West Bengal on Tuesday, February 9.
A terrific brace from debutant Papa Diawara, who was named the Hero of the Match, ensured that RoundGlass Punjab picked up all three important points despite a late goal by Arrows’ Vellington Fernandes.
In this match, RGPFC Head Coach Curtis Fleming made two changes from the Club’s 2-0 victory over TRAU. He brought in Samad Ali Mallick in defence while handing Papa Babacar Diawara his debut.
Fleming’s side came close to breaking the deadlock as soon as in the 16th minute. Bikash Yumnum’s long throw was turned on to his own crossbar by Tankadhar Bag. With Arrows’ keeper Ahaan Prakash off his line, Bhutanese forward Chencho Gyeltshen attempted an overhead kick but Tankadhar made up for his earlier error with a brilliant goal-line clearance.
Indian Arrows had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 29th minute. Vibin Mohanan released Harsh Patre, but RGPFC custodian Kiran Limbu made a wonderful save to deny him.
RoundGlass Punjab FC got the reward of their dominant display in the 35th minute as Papa Diawara brought down Aphaoba Singh’s cross before smashing it past Ahaan in the Arrows goal with a magnificent side volley.
RGPFC almost got the second goal, but Hormipam Ruivah could not tap it in from Joseba Beitia’s cross onto the goal.
Fleming’s men kept looking for the second goal towards the end of the first half. Chencho’s powerful strike was stopped brilliantly by Arrows goalkeeper Ahaan in the 44th minute. RGPFC went to the dressing-room with a 1-0 lead at half time.
The Club continued attacking the Arrows goal right from the start of the second half. Papa Diawara almost doubled the lead in the 48th minute, but his attempt bounced just wide of the target.
The trio of Chencho-Beitia-Diawara started to combine brilliantly well, as the Senegalese forward almost found Chencho inside the box after a delightful through ball by Beitia in the 52nd minute; however, his cross across the area for Chencho was intercepted by Ahaan.
RGPFC finally got the insurance goal in the 56th minute. Beitia found Papa Diawara as the latter powered his header from a close range and doubled his side’s lead. Beitia too almost scored a goal from distance, but his long-ranger was just wide of the goal.
In the 85th minute, Aahaan made another superb save to deny a sensational attempt by Aphaoba.
Indian Arrows got a late goal when Vellington reached substitute Abdul Hannan’s cutback cross in the 87th minute to reduce the margin.
RoundGlass Punjab FC will play their next game on February 13 at Kalyani Stadium against Chennai City FC.
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