Air India dominance continues in Elite division of MDFA League

by FC admin April 5, 2015

Defending champions Air India registered a comfortable win against Central Bank of India (CBI) in an Elite division match of the MDFA league at Cooperage on Saturday evening.

It can be termed as “Same old story but against different opponent”, though Air India coach Godfrey Perira fielded many of his second choice players, it did not affect the proceedings. It was a comfortable 4-1 triumph for the Airman.

It took only 5 minute to score the first goal for Air India, that too with the classic free kick scored by left footer Bhushan Thube from the right wing close to the box. The initiative was enough to set the momentum going for Air India and CBI were looking more on the back foot and set with a defensive play.

But that too failed to stop Air India and after 20 minutes of play the lead got doubled, this time Neil Gaikwad finished well after getting an assist from Vishnu from right inside the box.

CBI goalkeeper Sharfaraz Ansari had no chance to do anything except witnessing the downfall, later it got worse and out of CBI’s control entirely, Air India capitalised on the situation well with the help of Vishnu T. who scored the 3rd goal for the Airmen.

The damage was done already but there was more damage in store when a miss-placed pass by CBI left wing-back gave the ball to Vishnu and he run past a defender and gave a low ground cross to Neil who just duplicated his first effort to score his second goal of the match.

Second half was no different and as it was in first half again Air India saw plenty of possession inside the CBI’s half. Neil Gaikwad’s hat-trick attempt hit the right post. Later some good movement took place and CBI’s attack had been initiated, that paid off when A.Chodankar made a solo run on the left flank and cut inside before releasing a through ball for Russel Galbano who was one to one with Air India goalkeeper, who desperately fouled down Russel and Referee has not hesitation to point at the white spot. Chodankar finished well to grab a consolation goal.

As Final whistle blew, Air India brought home easy 3 points and with 6 win and 2 draws, Air India indicates their strong approach to defend the MDFA Elite division title.