SUPER DIVISION

Guwahati, July 24: Former giants Maharana Athletic Club scraped past unfancied Rising XI 1-0 to pull off their first win in the Guwahati Sports Association’s super division league at Nehru stadium this afternoon.

The red-and-white brigade took time to loosen its limbs, but soon got going with forward Swister Momin, the bedrock of all Maharana attacks, using the flanks to orchestrate some classy moves. Swister was with Young Amateur Club last season.

After a 7-0 thumping by Assam Police Blues in their second tie, Rising has been bolstered by the return of Muktar, their ace striker. Muktar, who played for Nagaland in the recent Talimeren Ao Trophy championship, added teeth to their attack by repeatedly raiding the Maharana box. However, he lacked support upfront.

The Rising boys, tired after 45 minutes under sultry and stifling conditions, gave territorial advantage to Maharana in the midfield.

Maharana player-cum-coach Babul Phukan, who came in as substitute in the second half, combined well with Momin to give their forward-line some potency.

However, a few farcical moments brought the all-important goal in the 82nd minute through Momin. The striker pounced upon an easy opportunity after Rising goalkeeper Montu Nirmalia charged out towards the centreline and wrongly passed the ball to Maharana substitute Prabin Chetia.

Chetia’s initial right-footer to the goal rebounded off a defender, resulting in a goalmouth melee.

The ever-agile Momin, unmarked for some strange reasons, seized the chance to score with a good strike from the right.

The goal sparked celebrations in the Maharana camp and left Rising listless in the next eight minutes of play.

Maharana now have four points from three matches, while Rising have a solitary point from three matches.

Tomorrow: NF Railway versus Gauhati Town Club