OSSM edge United Villagers to lift MDFA Republic Day Cup in a thrilling finale

by Chittu Shetty January 26, 2020

In what turned out to be a pretty close affair, OSSM lift Dr. Nitu Mandke Cup (Republic Day) Cup after edging past United Villagers in penalty shootout.

After comfortably outclassing their opponents in the first game of the tournament where they defeated Das FA 4-1, OSSM followed it up with another intense but comfortable 3-1 win over CFCI-CSL. OSSM faced their first tough encounter against Kopana FC in semi-final, where they held on to a 1-1 draw at full time. Navin Negi had put OSSM in lead however Kopana FC came back strongly with flurry of attacks as OSSM found it difficult to maintain their lead. Noel Plavila 26th minute equalizer turned the tide as the game ventured into  a draw.

Although the game ended with OSSM holding their nerves better to beat Kopana FC in Penalty Shootout. They would go on to miss the service of Gaurav Ambavale and Krysbur Pereira for the final after the duo had picked up suspensions.

At the other end, United Villagers W.A. had a similar ride. After a 1-0 win over The Sports Gurukul and 2-0 win over Sara FA, UVWA were finally tested by Boxer FA in the semi-final. After a goal less first half, a long ball over the defence was latched on by Ajinkya Umasare  who then slotted the ball past an onrushing keeper to put Boxer FA in lead. However UWVA were back in to the game after their star striker Brijal Possa struck a beautiful curling free-kick that nestled past the keeper into the net to make it 1-1 with few minutes to go. In the shootout, UVWA held their nerve better to enter the Final.

Check out our live blog post of MDFA Republic Cup 2020

For report on Qualifiers and Pre – Quarter-Final results – Click

A Fitting Finale

The pressure and excitement of the knockout tournament had brought out around 100-150 people into the stadium by the evening time. The Audience were treated with an exciting final encounter, where the winner were once again decided by the Penalty Shootout.

The finale saw a game with two different styles in play. While United held majority of possession in the first half creating chances through their speedy wingers, the club lacked in that final end product. At the other end, OSSM came out with a plan of high defensive line and looked to be the better side going forward craving clearer chances.

It wasn’t surprise to many when OSSM took the lead through their in-form striker and tournament top scorer Shoaib Baig who slid between the defence before striking past the keeper to put the men in blue and white in lead. However the Joy was short lived when United found the equalizer immediately courtesy of Joysten Govind strike. After the equalizer, United continued with their possession based attack but it was OSSM who came close twice to taking the lead. Eventually the game ended at 1-1 and entered into Penalty Shootout.

OSSM started out well with Clinton Mall converting his spot-kick however at the other end, United player blazed his shot over the bar to put his side under pressure. Vaibav Gadge then converted the 2nd attempt for OSSM while Vatican Bandari kept his side in the game with a cool and calm finish. In the final attempt, Navin Negi beat the United keeper again to end the tie with OSSM lifting.

Winner – Om Saidham Seva M. (OSSM)

Runner-Up – United Villagers W.A.

Top Scorer – Shoaib Baig (6 Goals)

For Republic Cup fixtures – results, news and goal scorer stats visit: Republic Cup

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