Air India scores twice in injury time to defeat CBI 2-1

by Siddharth Yadav February 6, 2019

6th February 2019. Mumbai: In-form Central Bank of India (CBI) side met Air India in the MDFA Elite Division (Corporate Group) on Wednesday afternoon. From being down 1-0 for almost the whole game, Air India scored twice in the injury time to secure a sensational 2-1 win over the Bankers in a thrilling contest at the Cooperage Stadium.

With holders ONGC defeating Century Rayon 3-0 on Monday, the pressure was piling on Air India to close the gap on ONGC who is sitting comfortably at the top of Corporate Group. CBI almost pulled off a miracle when both these sides took the center stage earlier today.

Earlier in the first half, Anup Nair saw his chance went wide off the far post when the CBI forward was through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat. Moments later, Air India’s Sumesh Nair went agonizingly close when his close-range effort was denied by CBI’s custodian Ummaid Nat who was outstanding between the sticks throughout the game.

Both the sides had several opportunities to open their account but poor finishing led to a goalless first-half. CBI continued their gritty display in the second half as well and deservingly took the lead in the 50th minute.

Deepak Pal got the better of Air India’s defender Tejas Raut before lobbing his effort over the goalkeeper Aditya Mishra who was out of his position. On the other end, Goalkeeper Ummaid Nat kept making one after another save to keep CBI alive.

Just when CBI thought they have snatched all three points, substitute Bhavish Rao found Kiran Pandhare with a brilliant cross who made a huge leap to head home the equalizer in the 92nd minute. Suddenly, the game turned on its head.

A minute after equalizing, Air India pushed forward in hope to seal a late winner. Defender Santosh Koli somehow managed to sneak behind the CBI backline and converted a long ball with a delicious deft touch to win the game in the injury time for Air India.

Other results

6th February: Mumbai Customs 3-0 Central Railway

5th February: Western Railway (Somi 50′) 1-0 Union Bank of India (UBI)

5th February: Kenkre FC (Bharat Thapa 21′, Jay Bhavnani 48 & 90+4′, Ajay Shah 74′) 4-1 Bombay Gymkhana (Farzaad Paster 7′)

4th February: ONGC 3-0 Century Rayon