Kenkre under 19 win Don Bosco Challenge Cup 2016
The final of the Don Bosco Challenge Cup 2016 featured Kenkre under-19 against Karnatak Sporting Association in a classic showdown at the Don Bosco ground, Kurla. Nathan Fernandes gave Kenkre under-19 a first-half lead, which was cancelled-out by a last-minute goal from Shailesh J. setting the final up to be decided on a pulsating penalty shoot-out. The topsy-turvy spot-kicks session concluded with Kenkre under-19’s Shuntan scoring the winning penalty, clinching a nail-biting 5-3 win in the shootout vs. K.S.A.
Kenkre under-19s gave an early scare, in the match to Karnatak Sporting Association, when Shuntan played a cross inside-the-box, which was chested-down by Arfhat, but the referee’s flag was up to end the move, much to the relief to the relief of the K.S.A defenders. Karnatak Sporting Association replied-back with an attempt from Nadeem Khan, whose powerful shot was fired wide of the left-hand post.
As the match matured, both sides began to play conservatively, looking to make damage on the counter-attack – an approach, which provided the sides to test the opposition in the transition; while, they patiently stepped-back and defended with maximum men behind the ball.
By the time, the first-half crossed its midway point, neither Karnatak Sporting Association nor Kenkre under-19s created enough goal-scoring moments to be credited with an opening-goal. Both side were unable to provide fluidity and consistency in their attacks as a number of half-chances and potential goal-scoring chances from open-play and set-pieces were wasted.
As the half entered into the final-stages, Kenkre under-19s took an upper-hand. A goal arrived at their disposal, 5 minutes before the half-time whistle, when a sharp movement from Nathan Fernandes was spotted by a clever back-heeled pass from Arfat Ansari, who released the former through on-goal as the number 27 calmly tossed the ball over the on-rushing Karthik P. and into the back of the net.
A hatful of half-hearted attempts followed, which lacked a proper structure and vision followed from Karnatak Sporting Association in the remaining 5 minutes of the first-half as it concluded with Kenkre under-19 F.C in the driver’s seat going into the second-half.
The second-30 minutes began in a similar fashion to the first-half. Kenkre under-19 started on an attacking note, but took a step-back and let Karnatak Sporting Association have a hold on the proceedings, fancying their chances on the break using the pace of the Nathan and Atang on either flanks – an approach, which almost cost them the match.
Karnatak Sporting Association played dangerously at the back during the build-up play throughout the match, which the Kenkre under-19s were always poised to pounce, but never propelled upon. On the opposition end of the pitch, Karnatak Sporting Association faced disappointing fortunes as they were left cold feet, every-time they reached the opposition penalty area.
As the game reached its closing minutes, Karnatak Sporting Association came agonizingly close to an equalizing-goal, but heroics from Kenkre under-19s backup goalkeeper Joe kept the red-and-whites at bay. An attempt from K.S.A’s Hitesh in the 22nd minute outside the box, having beaten the goalkeeper the number 8 could only see his shot rebound off the upright.
The 2016 Don Bosco Champions Cup was a story of two halves, and in the first minute of added-time at the end of normal-time, Kenkre under-19s stumbled for the first-time, allowing Shailesh J. to tap-in an equalizer from close-range.
With the score-line at 1-1, by the time, referee Clement D’Mello blew the full-time, the match was destined to go into the penalty shoot-out. Kenkre under-19s’ Shuntan grasped and blossomed to the opportunity of scoring the winning-penalty, taking advantage of Hitesh’s missed opportunity to convert the second penalty for Karnatak Sporting Association. Further individual glory followed for Shuntan, who was awarded the Best of the Defender of the tournament trophy, whereas Shailesh J. was duly credited with a Player of the Tournament honor.
Sushil Kuamr 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup
Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024 – Honoring a Legend Through the Spirit of Competition
This November 9, the Sushil Kumar 40+ Memorial Soccer Cup 2024 will take center stage, bringing together veteran players in memory of Sushil Kumar, a former football star whose legacy…
Nine Venues, One Final Destination: Santosh Trophy 2024 to kicks off November 15th across India
With Hyderabad set to host the much-anticipated final rounds of the 78th National Football Championship, the journey toward the trophy is about to begin across Eight cities nationwide. As each…
Mumbai City FC Outlasts Kerala Blasters in Six-Goal Thriller at the Arena
In an electrifying encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai City FC clinched a thrilling 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters. The high-stakes duel saw Nikolaos Karelis net a brace, while…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC dominates with a 4-2 win over D.K. Flag Foundation in Mumbai Premier League
In a thrilling encounter, MYJ-GMSC secured a commanding 4-2 victory over D.K. Flag Foundation, showcasing their offensive prowess and seizing control of the game with standout performances. MYJ-GMSC began with…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai City FC Strikes Back with Style: Late Goals Secure 3-1 Win Over Kenkre FC
Mumbai City FC with a crucial victory to secure their first win in the Mumbai Premier League this season, turning a tense clash against Kenkre FC into a memorable 3-1…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.