Kenkre FC play out a brilliant second half to win 2 – 0 against Mumbai FC

by Vidhi Shah January 13, 2015

Kenkre FC put 3 points in its kitty when they defeated Mumbai FC 2-0 In the Maharashtra Qualifying Zone of the Under 19 I-League held at Cooperage on Monday, the 12th of January, 2015.

The 5 pm game began with a flurry of activity with Mumbai FC dishing out a decent attempt on goal just as the 1st minute was underway, unfortunately the ball landed directly into the safe hands of the goal keeper.

Mumbai appeared to be in a hurry to dominate the proceedings and tried for goal again in the 3rd minute to be denied again.

A change of pattern was then seen in the 14th minute with a particular Kenkre shot just running past wide of the goal. Come the 25th minute, Kenkre’s Karan Dave superb free kick landed the ball in the space near the box but the team failed to capitalize on this golden opportunity, courtesy- Mumbai defence.

The best attempt of the first half came in the 27th minute from the Kenkre, Abuzer Beg tried to cave in the ball in the top right corner. It should have gone in!

When the referee blew the whistle for half time, either of the teams had not opened their account!

The second half kicked off under lights, Kenkre started attacking with renewed vigour and energy.

The Mumbai goalkeeper dived ahead to close in on yet another shot from Kenkre in the 50th minute. However, he was unable to repeat the same feat a couple of minutes later when Kenkre’s Kenneth Fernandes tapped in the ball cleverly to Rohan Dalvi for an easy finish on the goal.

High on confidence, the Kenkre team subsequently launched two more shots on the goal in the 55th and the 62nd minute just meters wide of the post.

After a long span, Mumbai eventually managed to create some space but Suraj Negi failed to provide a good cross in front of the goal thus crushing the hope for an equalizer.

Faizan Thange was brought in by Kenkre on the 74th minute for the goal scorer Rohan Dalvi. A power house of energy, the substitute Faizan straight away went for the target in 77th minute but the rival Mumbai goalkeeper who was at a risky distance from the goal managed to shield his territory and prevent a goal.

While Kenkre quite effortlessly pushed back Mumbai with long spells of possession, Mumbai did win a rare free kick in the 86th minute and the No.8, Prince Anandraj aimed for the goal but missed by a whisker on the top left corner.

Riding on a counter attack, Kenkre’s Faizan struck the ball from a distance and it kissed the nets for what was a very clinical finish.

The score line now read 2-0 in favor of Kenkre FC. Despite, 4 minutes of added time, Mumbai FC were able to make no amends as the referee blew the final whistle with Kenkre emerging victorious.Oscar Alva, coach of Kenkre FC did point out the team had indeed been practicing very hard in the practice sessions and an ‘overall effort of attack, midfield, defence and the goalkeeper led to a well deserved victory.’

Kenkre on the third spot in the team standings with 8 points next meet PIFA Colaba while Mumbai are placed right beneath them in the table with a meager 3 points and an extra game played.