Central Railways edge second half goal fest against Companeroes S.C to progress to the Premier Cup last eight
Central Railways scored three goals in as many minutes to peg back Companeroes S.C in the second half and eventually book a place in the RCF Premier Cup Quarter Finals after a 3-2 win over Companeroes at the RCF Sports Complex in Chembur.
The game started brightly as both sides had efforts, neither of which troubled either goal keepers. The first real chance of the game fell Companeroes’ way as Nikhil Pal was in acres of space after he was found by a low cross from the right flank. But his shot was bravely saved by the Central Railways’ goalkeeper Pradeep Kumar in the 16th minute.
Central Railways nearly profited from a confusion between Companeroes’ goalkeeper Vatsal Bhatia and defender Umair Shiakh, as the both collided. But luckily for the duo, the ball rolled wide.
Companeroes just edged the possession but in terms of chances, the game was very even.
The teams went into half time deadlocked. It was a very even game with very few chances as the day’s tradition of a penalty shootout as the game decider was looking likely to continue.
But the second half exactly the opposite as Companeroes took the lead in the very first minute of the second period. Substitute Shabaz Khan nicely controlled a cross from Fazil Sheikh after goalkeeper failed to collect it and slotted home neatly to send the Companeroes’ camp celebrating.
Central Railways reacted with a change bringing on Arun E.K for Chetan Waghela in the 36th minute. They were rewarded three minutes later as Sumesh Nair was found in acres of space in front of the goal after he picked up a cross from the left flank as he finished in the top right hand side of the goal, to pull Central Railways level. The Companeroes’ keeper could have done better.
The game was sparked into life with two quick fire goals, but there were to be more as Central Railways turned it around two minutes later as Shafique P. profited from a mix-up in the Companeroes’ defence to coolly fire past Vatsal Bhatia who was partner in crime yet again.
His woes were compounded as Central Railways got another one a minute later, with Shafique P. scoring again after he drove at the Companeroes’ defence to hit his shot past the helpless Vatsal Bhatia to make it 3-1.
Vatsal Bhatia was relieved of his misery as he was taken off in the 47th minute. Two minutes later, Shafique P. who was looking for his hat-trick danced his way through the Companeroes’ defence but could not beat the new goalkeeper.
Central Railways were enjoying great support from their supporters as they had a little contingent who had made their way to the RCF Sports Complex to cheer their team.
Those three quick goals had knocked the stuffing out of Companeroes as Central Railways were pretty much in control. Nikhil Pal nearly ensured a grand stand finish when he shot over from close range. It was a great chance wasted to pull a goal back.
The missed chance got all the more glaring when Companeroes were awarded a penalty in stoppage time which Shabaz Khan put away to make it 3-2. But it proved to be a mere consolation for Companeroes as referee blew for full time just after the restart.
Central Railways quick fire goals were enough to secure a quarter final berth as Companeroes were left wondering what might have been. Central Railways will play the winner of Bhilai Brothers and Kenkre FC game on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Great Mother F.C, Premier Indian Football Academy Colaba and Western Railways sealed their passage through to the Quarter Finals through the route of penalty shootout at the expense of hosts RCF S.C, Mumbai Customs and KSA respectively.
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
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…
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…
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…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
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…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
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…
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…