MDFA U-14 Y-League: MSSA crowned champions defeating Mumbai FC 1-0

by Balbir Singh December 4, 2016

December 4, 2016, Lions Municipal Sports Complex: Mumbai Football Club featured versus M.S.S.A. in the finals of inaugural Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) Under-14 Youth League 2016. A solitary strike in the 41st minute from Rohan Fernando separated the two teams on full time and crown MSSA as champions.

MSSA began the game with intent, as no.10 found himself in space and recorded the first attempt inside 50 seconds. But as the game began to take shape and settled into the rhythm of the final, Mumbai FC maintained the ball well.

MSSA were looking to play the high and long ball into its strikers and catch the high line defence of Mumbai FC off guard. MSSA were able to provide some good link up play in the Mumbai FC half as the side played on the break.

As the first half entered its closing 10 minutes, both sides well settled into the match, tried to play open attacking football, in their attempt to break the deadlock. MSSA got the final chance of the first half but dragged their opportunity wide as the first-half concluded goalless.

Also Read: MDFA Under-14 – Road to the final: MSSA vs. Mumbai FC

The second half proceedings began strongly for MSSA as they tested the opposition goalkeeper on a couple of occasions, but some excellent stops from the Mumbai FC keeper kept his side in the balance.

As the teams in the second half began to settle down, Mumbai FC took charge, coming close to scoring themselves.

Both the teams dominated in patches, and in an honour to final until MSSA’s no.14 Rohan Fernando broke the deadlock on 41 minutes.

With some excellent display of talent and team performances, the final of the under-14 was an absolute treat for the good turnout of spectators and for the response to the league as a whole.

As the referee blew the full-time whistle, MSSA were crowned the first winners of the MDFA U-14 Youth League. A 1-0 scoreline also meant the winners didn’t concede a goal throughout the tournament in normal time.

Both sides will take plenty of experiences from the season, which has nothing but had a successful first edition.