Not even a pep talk from Sourav Ganguly could inspire Chirag United to victory. In Friday’s I-League match against Mumbai FC at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Chirag United were clearly the better side, but misfiring strikers meant they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Shankar Oraon gave Chirag the lead in the 12th minute, but Riston Rodrigues nullified the advantage on the hour mark. The result saw the hosts move to nine points, while Mumbai FC moved to 13 points.

Sourav Ganguly came to the Chirag dressing room before the match and spoke to the players about his struggle when he was out of favour with the Indian team and his never-say-die attitude that helped him make a comeback. Buoyed by Sourav’s vocal tonic, the Chirag players dished out a spirited performance and should have returned with full points, but for poor finishing.

The hosts were very sharp in their counter-attacks and used the flanks well to stretch the opposition defence. They combined well in the attacking-third with good supporting play.