MDFA ELITE DIVISION: Mannewar strike helps CFCI edge past PIFA

by Vineet Varma January 10, 2019

Mumbai, January 10, 2019: In a game which had a few goof-ups in goal on both sides it was Pradeep Mannewar’s 58th minute strike which helped CFCI beat PIFA 1-0.

A glaring first-half miss by PIFA’s Lalit Patil brought back memories of Fernando Torres’ predicament against Manchester United in 2o11!

But Torres was an out and out striker while Lalit — a defender — was played out of position in this game!

Though Patil cannot (and should not) be blamed still a goal then would have done PIFA a world of good.

CFCI almost scored through Sushil Kawde’s free-kick but were denied by the PIFA custodian.

Though the first-half ended goalless Mannewar’s edge of the box effort broke the deadlock in the second.

That goal prompted PIFA to unleash a flurry of attacks for the equalizer.

And as a series of well-strung passes finally uncorked the CFCI defence…Kaiwalya Tare’s effort hit the top of the bar!

PIFA also had their goof-ups in goal but then good defending made up for those blunders.

They did throw the kitchen sink in the end but CFCI held firm.

Kartik Bele — reminiscent of Brazil and PSG star Neymar — impressed with his step-overs, off-the-ball work and dribbling while Akshay Jadhav was the rock in defence for CFCI.

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