Solid Indian Navy see off gutsy KSA

by Kaushal Shukla May 25, 2015

Indian Navy warded off a strong second half performance from Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) to register a 2-0 win in the Elite Division game of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) at Cooperage on Monday, 25th May 2015.

KSA came into this tough looking encounter against Indian Navy in good form after recording massive back to back wins in the Elite Division. Navy too were in good form after victories over PIFA Colaba recently.

KSA started well against the solid Indian Navy side, but the Navymen took control post the quarter of an hour mark in the game.

Navy’s dominance was soon rewarded in the 20th minute when Sunil Naik put Indian Navy in front with a well taken goal. The goal gave Indian Navy exactly the kind of momentum they needed to completely dominate the game and put KSA under a lot of pressure.

The pressure eventually told, as Indian Navy broke KSA down for the second time in the 30th minute, this time through Pawandeep Singh whose strike put Navy in complete control.

Just as Indian Navy threatened to run riot, KSA showed plenty of resolve and avoid further damage to ensure the scoreline remained at 2-0 at half time.

KSA madea bright start to proceedings in the second half and were very nearly rewarded in the 52nd minute when Nigerian striker Arihi Uchela brilliantly played Valentine Pereira through on goal as his attempt was valiantly saved by the Navy goalkeeper Vishnu V.K

KSA won a penalty in the 61st minute when Navy skipper Raman Rai brought down Valentine Pereira who had managed to escape him. The referee booked the Navy skipper but his reaction to being booked was rather uncalled for as he reacted angrily and was a very lucky man to stay on the pitch not just for the foul but also for the reaction.

Tarique Ansari stepped up for KSA but his spot kick was brilliantly saved by Vishnu V.K to his right to keep Navy’s two goal lead intact.

KSA threw Faique Ansari in place of Arihi Uchela in the 84th minute as coach Suresh Mendon looked to script a late fightback for KSA. But with the strong Indian Navy rearguard it was too tough a task for KSA as Navy closed a 2-0 win and end KSA’s winning streak.

KSA showed great character in the second half where they were the better team, but the missed opportunity from the penalty spot and the strong Navy defence led to their demise on the day.