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90th minute goal by Francis denies table toppers Maharashtra a solitary point.
It seemed as nothing could go wrong for Maharashtra as they faced the Services in a nail biting encounter at the 70th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy, conducted by WIFA which was played at the SEC Railway ground, Nagpur.
Kishan Sulegai, the Maharashtra custodian was involved in a scrappy moment of madness where Francis of Services headed it into the goal at the death, 90th minute. Maharashtra was desperately in search of a goal after conceding with 8 players inside the Services defensive half during extra time.
Maharashtra GK Kishan had his best game as he made a string of saves to deny Services. Coach Augusto W.D’Silva claimed it was an ‘unlucky defeat’. But Maharashtra has looked anything but potential champions since the win against Mizoram. They have taken a massive stride towards making it to the Final as the confidence in the shape of the team looks rock solid.
Jain created maximum chances to give Services the lead. Whereas on the other hand Raynier held his own in the midfield as he thwarted away the attacks and gave Maharashtra a defensive shield which the coach was expecting.
Commander Sudip’s changed things for Services in the second half as they kept the Maharashtra defenders and goalkeeper busy. Maharashtra’s response was thwarted away by Services as they searched for the goal only to be disappointed by the last minute goal from Services.
Shrikant Veramallu looked lively in attack and provided a lot of attacking threat with the help of the wingers and full backs. Maharashtra did miss some chances which are to be taken in a tight game of this magnitude.
Both the teams have cemented their semi-finals spots with Services having to play Mizoram as their last match.
