MDFA Nadkarni Cup: Air India face HDFC in title decider on Saturday

by Chittu Shetty September 13, 2019

The title clash of 2019 edition of MDFA Nadkarni Cup will see defending champions Air India take on HDFC in the hopes of making it hat-trick of titles.

Both teams enter the final on the back some excellent show throughout the tournament. Defending champions Air India, after facing an initial scare from Mumbai City FC U18 squad has been in sensational form scoring 20 goals in five games. The team defeated one of the favourites and Elite Division Champions Mumbai Customs in the semi-final.

Meanwhile, HDFC had a pretty smooth run except for minor scare in the quarter-final encounter against KSA, where the game went to a Penalty shootout with HDFC coming out triumphs. In the semi-final, HDFC faced high-flying Mumbai City FC U18 and despite going a goal down early in the game, HDFC came back strong to win the encounter 4-2.

No special preparation for tomorrow’s Nadkarni Cup finals we will just play as we have been doing so far in this tournament. Digvijay Yadav is carrying an ankle injury other than him we have no other injury concern.

Air India are the reigning champions but we also have a point to prove.

– Julian D’sliva, HDFC Coach

Coaches of both sides would be vary of their opponents. Air India has been in the excellent form with a strong attacking line-up of Rosenberg Gabriel and Rishikesh Shinde, both of whom have been contributing with goals in almost every game. While the wing play of Azza Norrani has been crucial for Air India in creating chances. Meanwhile, for HDFC goals have come from multiple sources with Pragnesh Solanki, Niyaz Patel and Prashant expected to play a vital role in final.

The preparations are going good but Santosh Koli is doubtful to play tomorrow. The team is confident and we are aiming to get positive results against HDFC side

– Vijit Shetty, Air India midfielder

The final would be an interesting encounter to witness as Air India aim for their 8^th Nadkarni Cup title while HDFC pursues their first.

Date: 14th September 2019
Time: 6 PM
Venue: Cooperage Ground, Churchgate

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For upcoming fixtures and Group table of Nadkarni Cup: Visit here

Also Read: Asian Champions Qatar held to a goalless draw by the Indian football team!

Also Read: Sandesh Jhingan: ” Our work starts immediately after the final whistle, and we never rest on laurels.”

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