Sub-Junior Boys: Mumbai to face Pune in Final

The semi-finals of the 2019 WIFA Inter-District Championship Sub-Junior Boys had two brilliant individual performances which had fans on the edge of their seats. Mumbai and Pune is all set to face each other in an anticipating final on Saturday.

Hridya Haria’s wonder-goal helped Mumbai beat Kolhapur in the first game. The ball was controlled and let rip from 20 yards out into the net! Surely a contender for goal of the tournament! Kolhapur countered Mumbai’s artistry with physicality. Full marks to Mumbai as they defended well and kept Kolhapur at bay.

Prashant Salawade, Sanket Medhe, and Gandharva Chavan were rendered ineffective thanks to tight man-marking by Mumbai. Kolhapur ran out of ideas as the deadly trio was marked out of the game. Mumbai withstood late pressure and won 1-0.

Mumbai – 1 (Hridya Haria (11’)) beat Kolhapur – 0

Trivia:

  • Mumbai is the defending U-14 boys champion; they beat Pune in last year’s final. The same two teams play in Saturday’s grand finale.
  • Mumbai Girls clinched the U-14 title in Palghar recently.
  • Kolhapur’s Sanket Medhe was the only player in the tournament to receive back to back yellow cards. The first was against Amravati in the quarterfinals while the second was against Mumbai in the semifinals.
  • Mumbai versus Kolhapur was the only game in which neither of Prashant Salawade, Sanket Medhe, and Gandharva Chavan scored.

Tushar Durga grabbed the limelight as Pune beat Nagpur 4-0 in the second semifinal. Durga was at his devastating best as he scored a hat-trick. He scored in the 26th, 40th and 59th minutes to send Pune into the final. Akib Ansari was the other goal-scorer for Pune. Durga’s first goal — a long-range strike from 20 yards out – was an absolute peach! His second and third goals were scored from inside the penalty area. Manav Simon impressed for Nagpur with his dribbling. Utkarsh Mankar – Nagpur’s goal-scorer in the previous rounds – had an off-day.

Pune – 4 (Tushar Durga (26’, 40’, 59’)) beat Nagpur – 0

Dr. Asmita Patil (co-ordinator, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao) did a ceremonial toss before the second-half of the Mumbai-Kolhapur game.

Also, Mr. Farooq Shaikh (secretary, JDFA) was outstanding in the commentary box. Fans were impressed by his football knowledge as well as his insights on every game.

Mr. Vinod Nalwade (director, Rush Soccer Academy, Mumbai) gave a short speech in the end. He elaborated on the importance of fitness, diet and education for kids who want to break into the professional circuit.

The grand finale awaits on Saturday.

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share