Indian Navy vs Kenkre FC Preview – Plucky Kenkre FC eye Indian Navy scalp

by Kaushal Shukla December 5, 2015

Kenkre FC are back to local action after a hectic fortnight of 2nd Division fixtures when they take on an unbeaten India Navy side in the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) Elite Division later today at Cooperage in a mouth watering top of the table clash. Indian Navy sit second in the table with sixteen points in six games while Kenkre lie just two points behind Navy in a tight Elite Division table.

Kenkre FC come into the game on the back of a spirited 1-1 draw with PIFA Sports in the 2nd Division League where they dominated proceedings despite being down to ten men and will have taken plenty of heart from that performance just days after yet another solid showing in the semi-final of the Nadkarni Cup where they went down fighting to Air India.

Lenkre Fc have been solid apart from their 2-0 loss to Minerva Football Academy in the 2nd Division League and have had the odd goal in them to nick the game. However Indian Navy will present Kenkre with a really tough opposition with the Navymen yet to taste a defeat this season in the Elite Division.

Indian Navy though don’t come into the match in the best of forms having failed to win their last two matches. Navy could only manage a 2-2 draw against Western Railways in their last outing. Previously Navy crashed out of the Nadkarni Cup on penalties at the hands of Mumbai Customs despite taking the lead in the first half.

Players to watch out for

Yao Kouassi Bernard (Kenkre FC) – Kenkre FC’s Ivorian hitman has been an instant hit ever since joining Kenkre FC last season and undoubtedly presents the biggest threat to the Indian Navy defence. Bernard’s form has slightly dipped in the last few games, but he still managed to score the winner against PIFA Colaba in the Nadkarni Cup Quarter Finals. Kenkre will be hoping to get Yao Bernard firing against Indian Navy today as they hope to get a major scalp under their belts

GPK Sharma (Indian Navy) – The Indian Navy man has been in fin goal scoring form this season and has been inspirational in Indian Navy’s flyin start this campaign. Sharma will be hoping to continue his rich goal scoring form as Navy look to get back to winning ways against a Kenkre Fc side which hasn’t leaked too many goals recently. Sharma’s form might just prove to be the crucial element that pushes Navy to a win

Taha Kachwala (Kenkre FC) – Taha Kachwala has come of age this season. He is by far Kenkre FC’s most creative player and often a nightmare for full backs thanks to the pace and trickery the little Kenkre magician possesses. Taha has played on both flanks this season and has been equally effective. Taha provided the crucial assist for Bernard’s winner in the Nadkarni Cup Quarter Final and the duo is starting to form a deadly combination. Navy will have to be watchful of Taha Kachwala as he is definitely one player who could hurt them.

Bibake Thapa (Indian Navy) – Bibake Thapa has been yet another in the Indian Navy side who has impressed this season. Having an eye for a goal, Thapa has the quality to make inroads in the opponent defence with his clever runs and ability to pick out passes. But what makes him a really critical player is his energy on the field which gives this Indian Navy team the edge. Bibake Thapa will be looking to get back on the score sheet against Kenkre FC today after going two games without scoring.

Kick-off Timing – 3 PM IST

Venue – Cooperage Stadium

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