Reserve Bank prevails over ICF in the CFA Senior Division League

A brace from Krupa Nandan, goals from Shiva Priyan and Eliminhao Kilong helped RBI secure its first win of the campaign, securing three points. It did not get off to the best of starts as it conceded as early as the second minute after a back pass created miscommunication between two defenders. The scoreline remained the same at the end of the first half, with ICF leading 1-0.

RBI was ruthless in the second half, showing more intent than its opposition. Shiva Priyan converted a penalty in the 52nd minute, levelling things up at 1-1. The penalty was awarded as ICF goalkeeper Agastin denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity by bringing down a player, for which he was red-carded immediately. Four minutes later, RBI managed to take the lead in the contest as Kilong cut through a few defenders to slot the ball home. 

RBI added another one to its tally in the 70th minute courtesy a goal from Krupa who got the better of the charging ICF goalkeeper and deposited the ball into the bottom left corner. ICF reduced the deficit in the 75th minute after he put the ball into the back off the net off a penalty. But, RBI once again restored its two-goal advantage as Krupa completed a double in the 78th minute.

Fredy then brought some life back into the match as he scored off a beautiful cross from the right flank. RBI held its nerve towards the dying moments of the game, winning it 4-3. 

RBI head coach Vijay Karthikeyan was pleased with his side’s performance despite conceding a few sloppy goals. “It feels good to have scored four goals, which helped us defeat a good team like ICF. I feel the standards of the players have improved with respect to the previous season. Kannan has played an important role in roping in outstation players, especially from the north-east,” said Vijay. 

When asked about who the standout player on the pitch was, he said, “Krupa usually plays in the midfield or the defence. We wanted to see how he fares in an offensive role. He was phenomenal, bagging two goals which ensured a win for us.” In the other match, Indian Bank defeated Chennai United FC 1-0 after Abiodun scored the solitary goal of the encounter in the 12th minute.Jude Felix Nixon of IB was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’.

Two matches will be played on Sunday. Defending champion Chennai City will square off against Southern Railway in the first game while Arrows FC plays Viva Chennai in secomd match of the double header day.

RESULTS: ICF 3 (Karthick 2, Fredy 75 & 80) lost to RBI 4 (Shiva Priyan 52, Eliminhao Kilong 56, Kirupanandan 70 & 78); Chennai United FC 0 lost to Indian Bank 1 (Abiodun 12)