Clinical Kenkre FC down PIFA Colaba to claim to first win in the U-18 I-League

Kenkre FC were extremely clinical as an early blitz saw them inflict a 3-0 defeat on PIFA Colaba in the Maharashtra Qualifying zone of the U-18 I-League at Mumbai’s Cooperage Stadium on Saturday, 14th November 2015. Kenkre’s Arfat Ansari netted a neat brace in the first half as winger who was played as a striker by Head Coach Akhil Kothari repaid his coach’s faith in him.
Kenkre FC were quick to get out of the blocks and started the game with a very high tempo. Kenkre’s quick start took PIFA Colaba by surprise as they failed to get a foothold in the game early on and were made to pay by some brilliant piece of forward play from Arfat Ansari who fired into the net in the 6th minute to hand Kenkre FC a deserved early lead.
PIFA Colaba who were clearly stunned by the early setback had no time to regroup and get their act together as a rampant Kenkre outfit put them under enormous pressure. In the 17th minute, PIFA Colaba were breached once again as a mesmerising run from Marc D’Souza undid the PIFA Colaba defence allowing Marc D’Souza to cut in on his favourite left foot and send a powerful shot into the back of the net.
However Kenkre, after racing into a two goal lead, took the peddle of the gas a bit and allowed PIFA Colaba to get into the game. PIFA slowly stepped up their pressing game and stopped Kenkre FC from building from the back as Kenkre FC lost their early momentum. But the boys in orange got little joy in breaking down the Kenkre defence as Akhil Kothari’s men held firm.
PIFA Colaba were hit by a sucker punch late in the first half when a beautifully threaded pass from midfield picked out Arfat Ansari’s run as the forward raced clear on goal after shrugging off his marker. Ansari showed great composure in front of goal as he coolly slotted home Kenkre’s third, pretty much against the run of the play in the 39th minute.
Kenkre were in cruise control at half time as PIFA Colaba were made to pay for their errors in the first half.
However PIFA Colaba came out a lot stronger in the second half and started dictating the play. Kenkre were made to sit back into their own half as PIFA Colaba pressed them with great effect. But PIFA lacked the killer pass which was needed to unlock a resolute Kenkre FC defence in the second half despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
Kenkre FC’s goalkeeper Anirudh Gandhi wasn’t troubled too much for PIFA’s liking as Kenkre FC almost sneaked in a fourth goal but for some top saves from the PIFA Custodian Rohit Mourya midway in the second half.
Kenkre FC held firm despite PIFA’s relentless pressure before the PIFA players’ shoulders dropped as the game drew to a close. Kenkre were once again in the ascendancy in the dying minutes of the game after PIFA seemed to have given up.
The referee blew for full time, giving Kenkre FC a hugely credible 3-0 win over a pretty good PIFA Colaba side who failed to produce the goods in the attacking third on the day. However Kenkre FC were thoroughly clinical at both ends of the pitch as they secured their first win of the season.
Coach’s trust goes a long way in building a player’s career, says Akash Mishra
In the last nine matches the Indian senior men’s team have played, Akash Mishra has not been on the pitch for only 12 minutes. Such has been his rise over…
Manolo Marquez: I know we’ll field a good team and enjoy a good season
Manolo Marquez, speaking in his first press conference since being announced as FC Goa’s new head coach sounded upbeat about the upcoming 2023-24 season, as he takes over the reins…
Shashwat Panwar on a journey of improvement with India U-17s
NEW DELHI: The India U-17 Men’s National Team have been on an impressive run in their training camps in Spain and Germany, pitting themselves against the youth teams of some of…
Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023: A quick-start guide to the Blue Tigers’ opponents
BHUBANESWAR: Since its inception in 2018, the Hero Intercontinental Cup has not been just a four-nation tournament, but also a convergence of various footballing styles and cultures. The inaugural edition was staged…
132nd Durand Cup to reach Shillong and Kokrajhar
Kolkata, June 07, 2023: The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 132nd Durand Cup football tournament, today announced Shillong in Meghalaya and Kokrajhar in Assam, as the newest host cities for the…
India U-17s beat Muang Thong United in training game
NEW DELHI: The India U-17 Men’s National Team defeated Muang Thong United U-17s 3-0 at the Kirin Valley Sports Complex in Khoyai, Thailand, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Korou Singh gave…
Vikram Partap Singh signs extension with Mumbai City FC until 2026
Mumbai, 7 June 2023: Mumbai City FC are delighted to announce that Vikram Partap Singh has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him with the Islanders until May 2026. The 21-year-old prodigious…
Hero Intercontinental Cup / Indian Football Team
From Chhetri to the Future: Time for the Young Strikers to take charge
As Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri nears the end of his illustrious career, the time has come for the young strikers in the Indian national team to step up and…
Stimac bullish before Hero Intercontinental Cup opener against Mongolia
BHUBANESWAR: The India Senior Men’s Team will begin their Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023 campaign with a first-ever meeting against Mongolia on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Local lad Rahul Bheke signs one-year contract extension with Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC defender Rahul Bheke has signed a one-year contract extension with the Club, extending his stay with the Islanders until the end of the 2023-24 season. The 32-year-old…
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…
Elite Division / MDFA / 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…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
MFA Elite Division club KSA to conduct trials for the upcoming season
Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season KSA had an amazing…