Youssef Atriss and Sergio Barboza Junior scored in the second half to help RUFC finish second in Group B. Mumbai City FC had already qualified as the group’s champions.
Rajasthan United FC (RUFC) made history on Monday by defeating the Indian Navy Football Team 2-0 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK).
ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB), who finished with seven points in the group as the top two, bowed out after losing to RUFC in the group opener.
RUFC, who needed a win to advance to the knockout stages, got off to a fast start against the Navy side, playing for nothing but pride after earning just one point in their previous three matches and having no chance of qualifying. However, because the game was mostly played in the middle of the park, neither team was able to create any clear chances. The game had many stops and starts as both teams committed fouls while attempting to break up each other’s moves.
The RUFC had the best chance of the half when William Pauliankhum ran into space and Navy keeper Vishnu V.K came out of his box to narrow the angle. Navjot Singh made a last-ditch tackle to save his team’s blushes after William dribbled past the keeper and crossed for a waiting Youssef Attris. When Harikrishna made a good move from the left and cut back for Jijo, whose shot flew over the bar, Indian Navy FT also had a good chance to take the lead.
RUFC began the second half by relentlessly attacking the Navy box. Every move appeared to be a chance to score a goal. Sergio Barboza and 17-year-old Gyamar Nikum, who came on in the second half, bolstered RUFC’s attack. However, an outstanding performance under the bar by Navy captain and keeper V.K Vishnu single-handedly denied RUFC.
The sense of relief also brought about the second goal after an excellent through ball by Nikum was met by Barboza’s run in the 89th minute and he finished confidently past Vishnu to seal the game for his team.
