Pune: Sports Mania Drop Points but Stay on Course in AIFF Elite Youth League

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Pune, 23rd January 2025: Sports Mania hit a roadblock by denting their clean slate at ‘home’ after playing a goalless draw (0-0) with Rajasthan United F.C, in the AIFF Elite Youth League at Sports Arena Turf, Wakad.

The result, however, had its advantage for home-side Sports Mania in their aim to qualify for the next round by maintaining their second position.

The Group-H encounter began with Rajasthan United (3rd; 10 points) compared to Sports Mania (2nd; 15 points). Victory for Rajasthan United would have helped narrow the gap to two points and improve Rajasthan United’s chances and seek moving into the Top-2 qualifying spot with just three rounds to play.

The goalless draw and one point each helped Sports Mania continue to keep the 5 points difference including the second place in the group.

After winning two ‘home’ encounters against Maharashtra Oranje F.C and ARA F.C to maintain a clean ‘home’ run, the return-leg draw against Rajasthan United F.C was the first ‘home’ match in which Sports Mania dropped points.

The match was fought on even keel in the first half, but not before Sports Mania survived an opening minute penalty-kick. Home team custodian Md. Zainulabeddin stood tall and saved the attempt taken by the Rajasthan United captain Wilubou NK.

Later, the match became a yellow card haven in the second with five players being shown the card. For Rajasthan United F.C Solomona, Varhmingthang Varte and Zothansanga were shown the card in a span of 20 minutes. It was also this period that Sports Mania had Ronit Jambhale and Rajeev Mane receive yellow.

The draw meant Sports Mania took their points tally to 16 points (7 matches – includes 5 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw) and occupy 2nd position behind undefeated Zinc F.C (21 points; 7 matches) in the group-stage league.