Air India vs UBI – A potential title decider?

by Siddharth Yadav December 22, 2017

22nd December 2017, Mumbai: Later today, defending champions Air India will face an in-form Union Bank of India (UBI) in an encounter which could be MDFA (Mumbai District Football Association) Elite Division’s title-deciding clash. UBI is currently at the top of the table but with Air India having a game in hand, the title race could well and truly go down to the wire.

A little less than two years ago, in a thrilling encounter, Union Bank of India stopped Air India’s undefeated streak which lasted for more than a year. Royston D’Souza scored the decisive goal in the second-half to put a halt on Air India’s dominant form.

The loss at the hands of UBI proved fatal as Air India failed to defend their title with ONGC clinching the Elite Division trophy. Today at Mumbai Football Arena, a win for UBI might recreate the same story. But this season, UBI is looking far more threatening than any other side. Their free-flowing attacking football has been a treat to watch so far.

Air India is currently on a three-match winning streak, scoring 14 and conceding just twice in the process. Just like in 2016, UBI has quite an opportunity to put a halt to their brilliant run. Senior and Experienced players like Santosh Koli and Vijith Shetty’s presence will be the key today as their maturity and mental strength will be up against a UBI side who would be desperately looking to continue their fine run of form.

The likes of Scott D’Souza, Valentine Pereira, Sherwyn Chang and Shannon Pereira will be instrumental today for UBI. Apart from the usual factors, the venue will also play its role. For the first time, Elite Division matches have been contested at Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri. Unlike Cooperage’s artificial turf, Mumbai Football Arena has a natural grass turf which is indeed a big factor when it comes down to the intensity of the game.

UBI has already played twice at Mumbai Football Arena, while Air India will be playing their first match. A thrilling clash is on cards today and of course, a potential title decider.