Independence Cup / MDFA

Independence Cup 2016: Indian Navy defeats Western Railway to lift Independence Cup

by August 15, 2016

Indian Navy took a sweet revenge as they defeated Western Railway 6-5 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in normal time, at St. Xavier’s Ground, Parel.

It was a reminiscent of last year’s Independence Cup when the match had to be separated via penalties. Ravikant Naidu opened the scoring through a spectacular volley in the 16th minute, it was undoubtedly one of the best goals of the Tournament.

Indian Navy fought back through Anoop Pauly’s goal in the 26th minute. Both the team had their chances but couldn’t convert it.

Just before Ravikant’s volley goal, teammate Merwin Stephen too tried from distance but his powerful volley was comfortably saved.  Indian Navy’s Abhishek Joshi suffered a horrible injury when he landed awkwardly on his right hand, he was straightaway substituted by the coach.

The match went into penalties where Indian Navy’s Bhaskar Roy made couple of tremendous saves.  Somi P.T missed a crucial penalty for Western Railways, and few minutes later Prabal penalty was brilliantly kept out by Bhaskar Roy.

Shahir stepped up for Indian Navy and converted it to win Independence Cup 2016 for his side. Captain Raman Rai received the glittering trophy to add yet another prestigious trophy in Indian Navy’s cabinet.