Tursunov scores fastest I-League goal in TRAU's draw against Real Kashmir

TRAU began their season by making an

I-League

history but could not manage the full three points, settling for just one in their opener against Real Kashmir in Kolkata on Sunday.


New recruit

Komron Tursunov

set the record in the ninth second of the game, scoring the fastest goal ever of the league and beating Katsumi Yusa’s 13th-second goal against Churchill Brothers in the 2018-19 season.

But the Tajik’s strike was not enough for the Manipur club to make a winning start to their campaign as Mason Robertson headed in the equaliser in the 70th minute to keep the scoreboard at the Mohun Bagan Ground locked on 1-1.

TRAU’s new signing took nine seconds to give them the lead after his venomous curling effort from outside of the box found the back of the net, leaving the opposition in utter disbelief. The sheer suddenness of the goal left

Real Kashmir FC

in disarray as TRAU dominated the opening exchanges barring a a 22nd-minute effort from Robertson.

Perhaps the best opportunity for the Snow Leopards to equalize fell to Lukman Adefemi in the 37th minute when he missed a free header inside the box with only the opposition custodian to beat.

Despite TRAU’s possession, chances were rare for the Imphal club but they managed to maintain lead at the halfway stage.

TRAU sat deep and relied on counter-attack in the second half, letting their opponents enjoy possession and dictate the tempo while they stayed committed to defence.

But in the 70th minute, Robertson found the equalizer for Real Kashmir after his thumping header off a Ralte free-kick found the back of the net. The equalizer spurred the Snow Leopards as they searched to take the lead but to no avail.