Carmelites rally to stun Century Rayon
Carmelites produced a strong second half performance to overcome a one goal deficit and record a 2-1 win over Century Rayon in their opening game of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) 1st Division at St. Xavier’s Ground in Parel on Friday, 4th September 2015.
The game took a while to come to the boil as the first real attempt of note came from the Carmelites’ winger Amir Sayyed who rose the highest to head Amir Qureshi’s corner inches wide of the right hand side goal post.
At the other end though, Century Rayon enjoyed better luck as winger Prakash Sonawne pounced on a poor clearance from the Carmelites goalkeeper Nikhil Devkar and set up Tothalchan Vashum who headed in an almost empty goal thanks to goalkeeper Devkar’s poor positioning to fire the 2nd Division champions of last year in front in the 14th minute.
Century Rayon had a spring in the step after getting in front as their three forwards Swapam, Vashum and former KSA frontman Roger Sam started combining well to create problems for the Carmelites rearguard.
There was a moment of controversy in the 26th minute when the Century Rayon skipper Sumeet Bhosle was booked for a rash tackle on a Carmelites midfielder. Bhosle almost got himself sent off following an argument with the referee, post the booking. But his team mates cooled down the situation well as referee Cajetan Dias decided to keep the Red card in his pocket.
Despite a lucky escape, Century Rayon had the better of the game, as they went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Carmelites who needed to score to in the second half to get anything out of the game, started brightly, pushing forward in numbers and pegging Century Rayon back in their box early on in the second half.
But Century Rayon almost hit them with a quick Counter attack which saw Prakash Sonawne race clear on the right flank and lay it on a plate for T.Vashum, whose cheeky finish could only come off the post before Vashum fouled the goalkeeper while trying to convert the rebound.
After being let off the hook, Carmelites equalized at the other end through Amir Sayyed whose clever run at the far post went unnoticed as he tapped home an Arjun Pandit free kick from the left flank in the 43rd minute.
The equalizer though didn’t seem to deter Century Rayon any bit as they almost regained the lead five minutes later when Roger Sam made a darting run down left hand side to leave three Carmelites players reeling before drilling a low cross which was parried by the Carmelites goalkeeper Nikhil Devkar allowing Carmelites to clear the danger.
At the other end, Carmelites had a great chance to take the lead when a perfectly threaded through ball from midfield saw William Fernandes clear on goal in the 53rd minute, but the Century Rayon goalkeeper Vian Joseph did brilliantly to keep it out.
The game was stretched as both teams went for it and Century Rayon were extremely unlucky not to be in front a minute later when a sweet strike from Sumeet Bhosle thundered against the angle of the post. It was an absolute screamer from thirty yards which had the Carmelites goalkeeper’s heart in his mouth.
Just as it seemed the game would end all square, Century Rayon goalkeeper Vian Joseph made a complete mess of a back pass as he was tackled by Smit Devkar who had no worries in putting the ball in the back of the net and completing a great second half turnaround with just five minutes left on the clock.
Century Rayon threw the kitchen sink at Carmelites who bravery held on to seal a great win to kick start their campaign.
Defensive errors cost Century Rayon big time as failure to convert their chances compounded in their first defeat of the season.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
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…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
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…