Rajasthan United held to 2-2 draw by SC Delhi in AIFF Super Cup
Rajasthan United FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Sporting Club Delhi in their final Group D match of the AIFF Super Cup. Goals from Pedro Astray and Robinson Blandón gave Rajasthan a 2-0 lead, but SC Delhi fought back with goals from Sourav and Alan Saji
Hyderabad: Rajasthan United FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Sporting Club Delhi in their final Group D match of the AIFF Super Cup at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim (Goa) on Thursday.
The Desert Warriors had a 2-0 lead at half-time, with goals from Pedro Astray (22’) and Robinson Blandón (35’). However, SC Delhi mounted a comeback in the second half. Sourav pulled one back for the Red Brigade in the 61st minute, and deep into stoppage time, Alan Saji (90+4’) scored the equaliser to earn SC Delhi their first and only point of the campaign, while also ending Rajasthan United’s hopes of semi-final qualification.
Despite needing a big win to advance to the semi-finals, Rajasthan United finished their group stage with four points. SC Delhi, with just one point from their three matches, ended at the bottom of the group. Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City were set to compete for the top spot and the last semi-final berth later in the day at Fatorda.
Match Breakdown:
Rajasthan United started the match with a clear sense of urgency, aware that only a comprehensive victory would keep their qualification hopes alive. The Desert Warriors dominated possession early on, but it was SC Delhi who had the first real chance of the game in the 9th minute. Forward Devendra Murgaokar played a pass to Augustine Lalrochana, whose shot went over the bar.
However, Rajasthan United’s pressing game soon paid off. In the 22nd minute, a corner from Lalfelkima found Pedro Astray at the far post. The Spanish midfielder rose above the defenders and directed a well-timed header past SC Delhi goalkeeper Vishal Yadav to give Rajasthan the lead.
Rajasthan continued their attacking play, and in the 35th minute, they doubled their advantage. Astray sent a cross-field pass to Alan Thapa on the right side of the box. Thapa’s low ball across goal found Robinson Blandón, who made no mistake in finishing to score his second goal in as many games.
After the break, SC Delhi came out with a greater sense of urgency. The Red Brigade managed to break through in the 61st minute when Andrei Alba threaded a pass to Sourav. The forward made a run into space on the right and fired a shot past Rajasthan United goalkeeper James Kithan, scoring SC Delhi’s first-ever goal from open play.
The match became more physical as the second half progressed, with Rajasthan’s Abdul Samed Ango receiving a yellow card in the 69th minute and SC Delhi’s Manoj Mohammad booked just a minute later. Rajasthan pushed for a third goal but could not convert their chances, with Thomo L. Shimray sending a volley wide from a corner in the 78th minute.
SC Delhi, determined to salvage something from the game, continued to press for the equaliser. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Andrei Alba delivered a cross from the right that Alan Saji met with a perfect chest control, sending the ball into the net from close range to seal the dramatic equaliser.
