Maharashtra secured their place in Santosh Trophy

by Siddharth Yadav January 9, 2017

L-R, Maharashtra team's goal scorers Vaibhav Shirle, Shravan Shetty and Aaron D'Costa

8th January: Maharashtra secured their push for the title march with a 4-0 rout of Gujarat in the Final Qualifying Round match of 71st Santosh Trophy at Rajmata Chunkumari Stadium, Waidhan – Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh.

A one-sided affair, the inform Godfrey Pereira’s side beat them comprehensively.

Maharashtra finished top of the group without conceding a single goal with a far superior goal difference of eight. The defense in supreme form under the organisation of Captain Fantastic Floyd Dharmai as they head towards the final round of the Tournament.

Aaron D’Costa who missed from the spot in the last match, latched onto a through ball to finish with aplomb and give Maharashtra the lead at the 2nd-minute mark. Shravan Shetty, in supreme form, scored the 2nd goal to double the advantage. A hairdryer treatment of sorts from the touchline saw the Maharashtra team surge ahead with Shravan Shetty securing his brace and also the 3rd goal of the game.

Every young side has complacency issues when the game gets too comfortable. Maharashtra failed to capitalize on the advantage as Gujarat grew into the game much to the frown lines of Godfrey Pereira by the end of 1st Half.

Vaibhav Shirle, 2nd half substitute scored in the stoppage time to complete a resounding 4-0 win.

“We need to concentrate. We can’t afford to be complacent and allow the other team to grow into the game. Nonetheless, our boys played some excellent attacking football and we look forward to the final round.” said Godfrey Pereira – Head Coach, Maharashtra.

The Final Round fixtures and venue are yet to be decided.

Results: Maharashtra 4-0 Gujarat

Aaron D’Costa – 2nd Minute
Shravan Shetty – 16th and 30th Minute
Vaibhav Shirley – 90+1