Air India go top of Elite Division

by Siddharth Yadav February 23, 2018

23rd February 2018, Mumbai: Defending Champions Air India maintained their hundred percent record this season after defeating Century Rayon 3-1 in Elite Division at Cooperage Stadium, earlier today.

After lifting the Nadkarni Cup title, yet again, the mighty Air India displayed a splendid attacking football to continue their dominance in Mumbai. Meanwhile, their opponent, Century Rayon had a terrific game as they bothered Air India’s backline on numerous occasions.

It was a dream start for Air India when they opened the scoring in the 3rd minute itself. A beautiful ball was played across the goal by Amey Bhatkal from the right flank which was placed calmly by number 10 Mrunal Tandel into the back of the net.

The Rayon’s responded positively. Thatcham, W. Kashung and Shopam combined well to cause problems in Air India’s half. Unfortunately, their poor finishing let them disappointed.

But on the other hand, Air India didn’t hesitate to take their chances. In the 32nd minute, prolific striker Pratik Koli, picking up a delicate through ball, made no mistake as the number 11 swiftly scored past Rayon’s goalkeeper to double Air India’s lead.

In the second-half, Advait Shinde and Aravind Raj had an outstanding game. Advait almost scored a spectacular solo goal when he danced past Rayon’s backline and even the goalkeeper but he, unfortunately, slipped while placing his shot.

Substitute Neil Gaikwad wrapped up the game in the 72nd minute after Aravind Raj provided the experienced striker with a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Neil’s initial effort was saved but he scored on the rebound to make it 3-0.

In the dying moments of the match, both Air India (Manav Baraskar) and Rayon’s goalkeeper Nitin made a couple of spectacular saves. Air India’s Manav came as a substitute in the second-half and ended up saving two back-to-back attempts from Rayon.

In the last minute of the stoppage time, Kashung finally scored for Century Rayon when his effort took a slight deflection and rolled past the goal line. With this win, Air India has registered their sixth straight win in the Elite Division this season and leapfrogged Western Railway and ONGC to retain the first spot in the table.