Pune edges past Nagpur 1-0 to join Mumbai in the final

by Balbir Singh December 22, 2015

On the 22^nd of December 2015, Pune District Football Association joined Mumbai District Football Association in the final of the Maharashtra Inter-District Football Championship under-17 Boys beating Nagpur District Football Association in the second semifinal at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex by a solitary scored in the 3^rd minute of the match by P.D.F.A’s no.13 Raj Pardeshi.

As the full-time scoreline suggests, the match was short of goals, particular, when the number of chances present is taken into consideration. P.D.F.A having opened the scoring as-early-as in the 3^rd minute of the match failed to carry that goalscoring mentality throughout the game; as they narrowly clinched a famous victory over Nagpur District Football Association.

In the first-half of footballing action, Pune – having taken an early leap from a scrappily converted opportunity – failed to produce a genuine attacking opportunity until the closing moments of the game. On the other-hand, Nagpur neither looked equipped to surpass the Pune defense whilst creating close to no real goalscoring opportunities.

A large proportion of the game was played in the midfield area with neither side willing to add that extra-bit to provide a moment everyone waiting in anguish hoped for, which made a frustrating game of football, at least from a spectators’ perspective.  Loose balls, miss-timed passes and hopelessly hit long-balls became a common-site.

The match seemed as if the players were not only physically drained, but also mentality discharged as they couldn’t think on their own and do what was needed. The goal came as an escape route rather than a pathway towards victory, when the referee blew the full-time whistle, which converted Pune District Football Association’s progression into the final alongside Mumbai District Football Association wearily than convincing or satisfactorily.

The final of the tournament will be played tomorrow (23^rd December 2015) at 3:30 p.m. Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex between Pune District Football Association and Mumbai District Football Association.