RCF Nadkarni Cup: Air India storm into semi-finals

by FC Admin February 14, 2017

Mumbai, February 14: Last year’s runners-up Air India stormed into the semi-finals with an authoritative 4-0 win against Karnatak Sporting Association (KSA) in a quarter-final match of the 110^thRCF-Nadkarni Cup football tournament, organized by RCF Sports Club under the aegis of MDFA and played at the RCF Colony ground, Chembur on Tuesday evening. Strikers Indrajit Chougle and Pratik Koli, both stuck a brace of goals to seal the airmen’s win.

The former champions Air India dished out a strong attacking brand of football and completely unsettled their opponents as they completely dominated play. They struck at regular intervals and comfortably soared to victory.

Chougle was on target with the opening goal in the ninth minute and got the third in the 29^th minute. Koli scored the second in the 11^th minute and fired in the fourth late in the first half. Air India slacked the pace in the second period and just played the ball around as they seemed content with their 4-0 cushion and did not add to the scoreline.

Earlier in another quarter-final encounter, Century Rayon put up a solid display in the second half as they rallied from an early deficit to overcome ONGC 4-1 and set a semi-final meeting with Air India. Striker Worchuipei Kashung scores two goals while Akash Jain and Sunil More added one each to secure Century Rayon’s win. ONGC had taken an early lead through Tarif Ahmed’s third-minute strike.

In Wednesday’s quarter-final matches, PIFA Colaba will take on Kenkre Under-19 at 1.30 pm followed by the match and later Mumbai Customs will take on Mumbai FC Reserve team at 3.30 pm.

Results: Air India 4 (Indrajit Chougle 9^th, 29^th, Pratik Koli 11^th, 40^th) beat Karnatak SA 0.

Century Rayon 4 (Akash Jain 48^th, Worchuipei Kashung 51^st, 70^th, Sunil More 67^th) beat ONGC 1 (Tarif Ahmed 3^rd).