MFA Elite League: Mumbai Strikers hold PIFA to a 1-1 draw; DK Pharma, Millat FC pick wins

by Chittu Shetty April 16, 2022

PIFA’s unbeaten run extends to 6 games after the 1-1 draw against Mumbai Strikers while DK Pharma and Millat FC pick crucial victories for their campaign.

Coming on the back of a 2-2 draw against KSA and then a 1-1 draw against Kenkre FC, PIFA looked to switch back to winning ways against Mumbai Strikers, who have not been in the best of form in recent games.

The game began with PIFA pushing up from the start of the game itself and putting some early pressure on Mumbai Strikers. They were soon rewarded with the opening goal when in the 17^th minute, from a set-piece situation, midfielder Vinod Pandey nodded home the opener to break the deadlock after receiving the ball from Shamer Swamy’s corner.

Two minutes later, Mumbai Strikers retaliated immediately to pull back the scores on level terms. Moving in attack, Akshayakumar Devadiga found Manthan Mehta at the edge of the box. Finding himself in space just outside the box, Manthan took a bullet of shot with his left foot to beat PIFA goalkeeper Prathamesh and find the back of the net.

PIFA tried to hit back again in search of a lead however despite creating some good chances they were profligate in the final third as they failed to break a resolute Mumbai Strikers defense. The match eventually tapered to a 1-1 stalemate as both sides ended with a point each.

FT: Mumbai Strikers (Manthan Mehta 19’) 1 – 1 PIFA Colaba (Vinod Pandey 17’)

Meanwhile, in the other game, DK Pharma registered an emphatic 3-0 win over Sea View- FSI. After an even opening half an hour, Shahid Narwade broke the deadlock around the 35th-minute mark. Six minutes later, Sohan Chakroborty doubled the lead to put DK Pharma in a comfortable position going into the break.

Six minutes into the second half, DK Pharma took the 3-0 lead as Shahid completed his brace with a clean strike past the keeper. Sea View – FSI tried their best to make a comeback carving out a couple of chances. However, DK Pharma’s backline stood strong to deny their opponent any goals, taking home the clean sheet.

FT: Sea View- FSI 0 – 3 DK Pharma (Shahid Narwade 35’, 51’, Sohan  Chakroborty 41’)

In another Elite League game, Millat FC came from a goal down to beat Salsette FC 2-1. Arnab Neogi’s eighth-minute goal gave Salsette an early lead. Millat increased their intensity in attack in search of an equalizer and were rewarded near the end of the first half courtesy of an own goal from Rounak Jadhav in the 42^nd minute.

The second half began with end-to-end football as both sides looked to take the lead. However, it was not until late in the game that the deadlock was finally broken. Receiving the ball from Brijal Possa, Razeen Patel converted his shot on target to put Millat in lead with just three minutes to full time.

FT: Salsette FC (Arnab Neogi 8’) 1 – 2 Millat FC (Rounak Jadhav 42’ (OG), Razeen Patel 87’)

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