Air India recovers from a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2

by Siddharth Yadav April 4, 2018

4th April 2018, Mumbai: Air India retained their top position in the MDFA Elite Division after making a sensational comeback to defeat PIFA Colaba 4-2 earlier today at Cooperage Stadium. Air India had found themselves 2-0 behind in the first-half but the defending champions recovered well to edge relegation bound PIFA Colaba in a commendable display.

Just like their previous games, PIFA Colaba made a great start. The duo of Kamran Ansari and Aditya Dalvi created havoc for Air India. PIFA reaped benefits for their positive start as they scored two goals in two minutes to take an unlikely 2-0 lead against the sides which consisted of Steven Dias, Vijith Shetty and Santosh Koli.

Aditya Dalvi opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Kamran Ansari doubled the lead just a minute later. PIFA was all over the field as Air India found themselves at the edge of the sword. But as the match grew, Air India started to take control of the game.

Four minutes before the break, former India International Steven Dias rolled back the years with a fantastic free-kick to cut short the deficit. PIFA’s Goalkeeper Pritam was not able to parry Steven’s free-kick which was hit with precision and technique.

High pressing paid off for Air India as they levelled the score just before the half-time when top-scorer Pratik Koli found the back of the net with a wonderful finish. The game completely changed from that point.

After a steady start in the second-half, Pritam spectacularly denied Steven Dias’ powerful volley with a one-handed save. The goalkeeper had his best game of the season who made some serious saves over the course of the game.

After getting on the scoresheet, Steven Dias turned out to be a provider as well. His wonderful cross was buried in the back of the net from an exquisite finish from Rinaldo Fernandes. Suddenly, it was PIFA now who were at the back foot.

Substitute Neil Gaikwad scored Air India’s fourth in the dying moments of the match to secure Air India’s 9th win of the campaign in as many games. With only two Air India games left, they will face KSA on Saturday before meeting ONGC in a title-decider encounter later this month.