Pratik and Steven’s brilliance earns Air India a 8-0 win

by Siddharth Yadav March 11, 2018

10th March 2018, Mumbai: On Saturday evening, Air India encountered a struggling Kenkre FC side in the MDFA Elite Division clash at Cooperage Stadium, Churchgate. Pratik Koli’s splendid hat-trick and Steven Dias’ brilliance inspired Air India to register a whopping 8-0 win against Kenkre FC which continued their hundred percent winning record this season.

Recently, Kenkre FC had won their first game of the season when they defeated Central Bank of India (CBI) 2-0, courtesy of Yash Mhatre and Shunthan’s strike in the second half. But their momentum was completely blown away by an experienced and in-form Air India.

Air India got off to a great start. In the 9th minute, Pratik Koli opened the scoring with a fine finish, just like he has been doing ever since to put Air India in front. Eight minutes later, Kiran Pandhare doubled the lead with a delicate finish to put Kenkre FC in trouble.

The pace and intensity of Air India were completely on another level. Kenkre FC gave their best to hold their counterpart but it hardly made any difference. Just before the half time, Pratik made it 3-0 with a beautiful finish to put the game beyond Kenkre’s reach.

If the first half performance was good, the second one was outstanding. Aur India hit their peak form to outclass their opponent. Steven Dias came into the picture and took everyone back to his heydays with a fantastic display. In the 54th minute, Steven and Arvind combined well to set up Pratik who completed his hat-trick with a sweet finish.

Midway through the second half, Steven finally got on the scoresheet after Advait Shinde found him from the left flank with Steven calmly placing his effort into the back of the net. A couple of minutes later, Arvind made it 6-0 with a stunning solo goal. He burst from the right flank and unleashed a powerful effort from the top of the box to score a wonder goal.

The seventh and eighth goal saw Neil Gaikwad’s immense contribution. Advait and Neil combined just outside the box as Neil got Air India’s seventh goal before the experienced striker himself provided an assist to Steven who volleyed Air India’s eighth and final goal.