Amey Bhatkal’s brace guides Air India U-19 past Sellebrity FC

by Prasad bhutkar February 25, 2016

Two second half goals from Air India U-19 were enough for them to stroll past Sellebrity FC in the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA), Super Division play-off match held on Wednesday afternoon at Poinsur Gymkhana ground, Kandivali.

Air India U-19 are a team to reckon with in the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) leagues. They went head to head with Sellebrity FC who had reported 15 minutes late to the ground resulting in the referees making it a 40 minute half. The Super Division play offs are in full swing these two weeks with the final being played on 3rd March. The teams have been divided into Group X and Group Y out of which Four will make it to the semifinal and the final will contest for the Sper Division Division title

Sellebrity FC dominated large portions of the first half. Constructing attacks from the defense to attack all they lacked was the finishing in the box. Air India U-19 were on the back foot for that time but had some moments of their own where they looked sharp in attack. Air India are one of those fewer clubs who have a compact side and it grows from game to game. When they could not score at one end they made sure that the score remained 0-0. At halftime the score was deadlocked at 0-0.

In the second half. Air India U19 came out and played some exceptional football. Number 7 Amey Bhatkal scored the opener giving them the lead in the 50th minute. To Sellebrity’s credit their attempts to come back in the game looked slim looking at the resolute defending from Air India. And any glimmer of hope was put away in the 71st minute when Amey Bhatkal netted his second to give Air India all three points.

Every win in the play-off is a step forward in the semi final whereas a defeat leaves the progress in doubt. Air India U-19 moved one step closer to the semi final. Whether or not Sellebrity FC can go ahead remains to be the question which will be answered as we move ahead.