AHMEDABAD, APRIL 26: Mumbai Knights FC made a dream start to their IWL 2023 campaign as they beat Kahaani FC by 1-0 in their Group A match held on Thursday, 26th April 2023 at the Shahibaug Police Ground in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Mumbai Knights FC began with Kashmira Pednekar in goal. Mansi Samre, Afreen Peerbhoy, VK Srutilakshmi Rajnish, Ritu Rani and Pranita Nimkar in defence. Karen Pias, Sushmita Jadhav, Valencia D’Mello in midfield. Priyanka and Karishma Shirvoikar as forwards.

The first half was all Mumbai Knights as Karen, Sushmita, Valencia and Pranita did extremely well to keep the ball and string some passes together to feed Karishma and Priyanka. The Kahaani FC defense was called into action and did well for most of the half. But it was Karen’s trickery as she made an excellent turn to get away from her marker who had to foul her to stop a counter. The resulting freekick from just behind the centre line was taken by Ritu Rani as she shot the ball towards the box. Priyanka made a well timed run and glided the ball past the on rushing keeper and the Kahaani defense who were caught in two minds. The ball in the back of the net midway through the first half from Priyanka gave Mumbai Knights FC a 1-0 lead. Mumbai Knights FC created a few chances but failed to convert them as they took a 1-0 lead into the break.

Kahaani FC came out all guns blazing in the second half but Mumbai Knights FC kept their shape and were firm in defense. Kashmira was called into action a couple of t times in the first half and a little more in the second half. But she kept her composure and preserved the 1-0 lead. Sushmita missed a chance in the 53rd minute to make it 2-0 as her header from the corner went over the bar. Just three minutes later another ball over the top from Ritu found Priyanka in the box who did extremely well to head it past the keeper and make it 2-0. The linesman’s flag never went up but the goal was ruled out probably for a foul in the build up. The decision to rule out the goal would become a debatable point.

Kahaani FC made a couple of chances but Kashmira was not letting any shot through. Mumbai Knight FC went on to preserve their 1-0 lead. They probably could have made it 2-0 or 3-0 but sealed all three points with that 1-0 win. Full-back Mansi Samre was awarded the Man of the Match, not only did she do well in defense but made important contributions in attack putting in cross after cross. The fullback pairing of Mansi and Pranita will be the one to look out for.

Mumbai Knights FC face Mata Rukmani FC next on Saturday, 29th April with the kickoff being at 8.30am

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