PIFA Colaba ease past Companeroes to collect three precious points in the MDFA Elite Division

PIFA Colaba dished out a clinical display to register a comfortable 4-1 win over Companeroes in and Elite Division game of the MDFA (Mumbai District Football Association) League at Cooperage on Monday, 22nd December.
PIFA’s raced to a three goal lead at half time and finished the job in the end despite Companeroes pulling one back after half time.
PIFA Colaba dominated the early stages of play as they had the majority of possession. But Companeroes defended astutely, reducing PIFA to very few openings until the 10th minute when PIFA’s Deep Morjani and Zeeshan Shaikh played a nice one-two but Deep Morjani failed to deliver a telling cross.
At the other end, Mudasir Ansari and Arun Patil tried to successfully replicate PIFA’s movement. But it was intervened by the PIFA defender at the expense of a corner. Companeroes appealed for a handball two minutes later when Pratik Patil’s shot seemed to have hit a PIFA defender’s hand. The referee waved off the appeals.
PIFA slowly started to get in the game as the Companeroes goal was under siege as PIFA were probing the Companeroes defence. It eventually cracked, when Alves Ozawara did brilliantly to set Zeeshan Shiakh on his was who held his nerves to finish past Wren D’Abreo to give PIFA a deserved lead in the 24th minute.
The goal boosted PIFA as they began to pepper the Companeroes goal and suddenly the Companeroes seemed lacking in confidence. Zeeshan Shaikh had two chances to double PIFA’s lead when Ganesh Kamat found him six yards out from the goal but he took too much time shoot allowing Comaneoes backline to recover.
But PIFA eventually doubled their lead when Kunal Narkar’s clumsy challenge on Ganesh Kamat prompted the referee to point to the spot. Alves Ozawara stepped up to convert in the 33rd minute to give PIFA a two goal cushion.
PIFA continued to boss the game as Companeroes failed to conjure up any chance of their own. PIFA then capped off a brilliant half with their third goal as Ganesh Kamath tapped in from close range in the 45th minute.
The referee blew for half time as PIFA Colaba made their dominance count. Companeroes needed stern introspection if they were to find their way back into the game or at least avoid a drubbing.
The second half had similar pattern as PIFA looked the more threatening. Although they couldn’t make a free kick count in the 51st minute. But Companeroes pulled one back seven minutes later when as Arun Patil ran into the space on the left wing and crossed for Reed Santos who finished emphatically over the keeper to give Companeroes hope.
Alves Ozawara responded immediately as his volley from a Zeeshan Shaikh cross was inches over. But he did not fail to make it 4-1, in the 64th minute when he headed home from close range to restore PIFA’s three goal lead.
Three minutes later Companeroes nearly got another one when Mudasir Ansari send his shot in the side netting after he was laid off brilliantly from a Companeroes midfielder.
In the 74th minute, Zeeshan Shaikh is was nearly sent clear by Alves Ozawara, but some brilliant defending from the Companeroes center back who put in a strong tackle, just at the right time to stop the attack.
Both teams made some changes with fifteen minutes left to play as Alves Ozawara was taken off to be replaced by Lester Creado, while Companeroes brought on Ravi Kanajia in pace of Arun Patil.
The Companeroes substitute nearly made an impact when his shot was deflected for a corner. The deflection had the PIFA goalkeeper scrambling. The game lacked any intensity as PIFA just tried to kill the game off while Companeroes knew the result was beyond them with just two minutes to play.
Young ‘N’ Masters Challenge Cup ‘23 – A unique format by Cool Veterans accomplished engaging families together
The central suburb of Mumbai, Mulund, just witnessed a footballing carnival involving families on a Sunday at the Young ‘n’ Masters Challenge Cup ’23 organized by Cool Veterans in association…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Maharashtra Oranje FC, Kalina Rangers CFF settle for draw in 6-goal thriller
In a captivating Mumbai Premier League fixture, Maharashtra Oranje FC and Kalina Rangers CFF battled fiercely, ultimately settling for a 3-3 draw in an action-packed encounter.
MFA Super League Uday Yadav’s equalizer salvages draw for Maharashtra Oranje FC (U23) against Kopana FC
In a MFA Super League Group B encounter, Maharashtra Oranje FC clashed with Kopana FC on thursday, where a 89th minute goal by Uday Yadav helped rescue Oranje FC a…
MFA Super League: Soccer Saga come from behind to win 3-1 over Kenkre U19
In a riveting MFA Super League clash, Soccer Saga FC came from goal behind to turn the tide and secure a 3-1 win against Kenkre FC U19. The match kicked…
Mumbai Premier League: Iron Born clinches 2-0 victory over Sellebrity FC
In a gripping face-off at the Neville D’Souza Ground during the Mumbai Premier League showdown, Iron Born emerged triumphant with a decisive 2-0 win against Sellebrity FC The match kicked…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
DK Pharma and GMSC-MYJ share spoils in Mumbai Premier League Clash
After a Cautious first half, Henjoimang Khongsai’s second half strike put DK Pharma ahead before Substitute Tejas Raut turned super-sub with a headed goal to level up for GMSC MYJ…
Mumbai Strikers and West Zone United Battle to a 2-2 Draw in MFA Super League Clash
In a pulsating encounter in the MFA Super League Group C, Mumbai Strikers SC clashed with West Zone United in a match that unfolded with intense action and dramatic twists….
FC Goa reclaims top spot with a feisty 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC
FC Goa regained the top spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 points table by subjecting Kerala Blasters FC to a 1-0 defeat at the Fatorda Stadium tonight. How…
East Bengal FC record their biggest ever ISL win in 5-0 mauling of NorthEast United FC
Kolkata, 04 December, 2023: East Bengal FC recorded their biggest ever Indian Super League (ISL) victory by triumphing 5-0 over NorthEast United FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight….
Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on Odisha FC with redemption on their mind
The Mariners have created history by recording the best ever start (after five matches) to an ISL season with five successive victories in this campaign. However, Sergio Lobera will bring…
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…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…