Maharaja XI clinch KSA Veterans crown
Mumbai: Maharaja XI (Air India) piloted by the brilliance of Godfrey Pereira scored a magnificent goal and had a hand in the second goal to down Reserve Bank of India 2-0 in an keenly fought final in the inaugural edition of the Late Shri Vishwanath Anchan Memorial Veterans’ Football Tournament – 2017, conducted by the KSA and played at their ground, Cross Maidan.
Mercurial striker Godfrey scored the first goal in the 28th minute of the 50-minute encounter. He had a hand in the second, scored by Anthony Fernandes three minutes later.
The summit clash witnessed an engrossing contest as both the sides displayed positive intent and creativity as they went on the offensive from the start. There were many goal-scoring chances created by both the teams but the 25-minute first half finished without a goal.
The Maharaja outfit boasting of internationals, Godfred, Jacinto D’Silva and Naushad Moosa and also Olympian hockey player Darryl D’Souza and international hockey player David Cardozo, managed to break the deadlock soon on resumption.
Following a counter, Moosa punted the ball forward down the right for Darryl who advanced deep and centered across the Reserve Bank goal. Godfred positioned at the far post did well to chest the ball down and let fly a rasping shot past goalkeeper Pramod Shreedharan to the roof the net in the 28th minute.
Three minutes later, Godfrey broke free down the middle and cleverly lobbed over an advancing goalkeeper Shreedharan, but the ball came back off the crossbar. An alert Anthony quickly pounced on the rebound and headed home to double the lead.
Also, check out the photo gallery of the Final match:
Stung by those two setbacks, Reserve Bank regrouped and tried their best to find the net and get back into the game. But the Maharaja defenders did not wilt under pressure and instead defended resolutely to deny the rival attackers from scoring a goal. Late in the game Reserve Bank managed two clear chances, but the strikers were off target.
Chief Guest, S.S. Narayan (Babu), a two-time Olympic goalkeeper, presented Maharaja XI players with the handsome Champions Trophy and a cheque of Rs 50,000. Reserve Bank received the Runners-up Trophy and a cheque of Rs 35,000.
The KSA also honoured the two oldest players – 67-year-old Larry Simoes of Golden Gunners and 59-year-old Faisal Shaikh of Colaba Sports League, who participated in the tournament. Both were presented with a cash award and mementoes.
Earlier, Philip Gonsalves with a brilliant header in the final minute helped Golden Gunners snatch a 1-0 win against State Bank of India in the Hardlines Cup (3rd place match). Golden Gunners were presented with a Trophy and a cash award of Rs 15,000.
Also, check out the photo gallery of the 3rd place match:
Vasant Karkera of Reserve Bank was adjudged as the ‘Player of the tournament’. Shyam Sawant, Joginder Thapa and Godfred, all from Maharaja were declared at the ‘Best goalkeeper, defender and forward, while Arif Ansari of Central was named as the Best midfielder.
Results – finals: Maharaja XI (Air India) 2 (Godfrey Pereira, Anthony Fernandes) beat Reserve Bank of India 0.
Other awards – Player of the tournament: Vasant Karkera (Reserve Bank); Best goalkeeper: Shyam Sawant (Maharaja); Best defender: Joginder Thapa (Maharaja); Best midfielder: Arif Ansari (Central Railway); Best forward: Godfrey Pereira (Maharaja).
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Odisha FC wins their first-ever playoff match to qualify for semi-final with comeback victory against Kerala Blasters FC
Bhubaneswar, April 19: Odisha FC qualified for the semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 by beating Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar tonight. Accordingly,…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…