Rizvi’s College Undisputed Champions At Mumbai University

The star studded Rizvi College football team finished as the No.1 team in the inter-collegiate tournament at University level by claiming the ‘University Title’ yet again with a 3-2 win over Pillai’s College in the finals played at the revamped University Pavilion, Marine Lines on Tuesday.

It wasn’t an easy task for Rizvi’s though, as they had  to fend off a tough opponent in Pillai’s College, in a high scoring final game. The 1st goal came through Rizvi’s talented center half Siddhart Nayak in the 10th minute with a powerful volley from just outside the box, having the lead they settled into the game comfortably and netted the 2nd goal 10 minutes later through Raunak Killinger who slotted home the ball perfectly after Harold Fernandes provided him a pin-point cross along the deck.

Against the run of play Rizvi’s College then conceded a very soft goal, when experienced defender Sandeep Upadhayay and the goalkeeper clashed, going for the same ball. This mistake handed Abhishek Ambekar an easy opportunity to reduce the deficit with a tap in. Pillai’s were looking confident as they went all out in search of that equalizer which could bring them back into the game but a third goal by Sagar Bedekar dented all hopes of a Pillai’s College comeback.

A long throw from Wayne Vaz into the Pillai’s box was cleverly flicked on by Sagar leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. With a 2 goal cushion, Rizvi’s kept their attacks going to increase their lead but were unlucky as their efforts were denied by the posts on several occasions. Despite having been down by 2 goals, Pillai’s never gave up the fight as they scored another goal through Rahul Beke’s header towards the end of the game but the Rizvi’s defence held firm until the final whistle, as the match ended in favor of the Bandra side who remained champions for another year running.

Boasting of some of the most talented young footballers in the city, year after year, it is to be seen if this powerhouse will ever be upstaged at the University level. We here at Football Counter would like to congratulate coach ‘Zakir’ and his players for putting up a superb performance throughout the tournament and defending their University Title