UBI finish runner-ups in Vice President Cup 2023

by Chittu Shetty March 4, 2023

UBI gears up for MFA Elite Division with a runner-up finish in Vice President Cup, 2023, the club has been playing in a flurry of tournaments and practice games ahead of the season

Union Bank of India football team may not be the most well-known team in the Indian football scene, but they have been a platform for many players to excel in their careers. The team consists of young, talented players around the age of 21 who are pursuing their education and have a strong desire to succeed in their football careers.

Last year, Union Bank of India finished fourth in the MFA elite division league from 14 participating teams. This year, the team has been training since December and playing many practice matches to prepare for the upcoming tournaments.

The Vice President Cup 2023, held in Deolali, Nashik, saw 16 teams from all over India participate in the tournament organized by Guru Sports and Social Foundation, Nashik. Union Bank of India had to go through tough competition to reach the finals. They beat Brothers F C 2-0 in the pre-quarters and JKFC Jhala 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

In the semi-finals, Union Bank of India faced Falaknuma FC Hyderabad, and after a closely fought game, Union Bank of India emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline. In the other semi-final match, Mumbai Customs lost to Artillery Centre, Nasik, by a score of 0-1.

The finals between Union Bank of India and Artillery Centre, Nasik, was a battle between giants and underdogs. The experienced and physically strong Artillery Centre had an advantage in the air, but Union Bank of India played to plan by keeping ball possession, overloading in the midfield, and playing out wide with short and quick passes. The defence maintained their shape well and kept a check on the strikers.

Union Bank of India created many chances in the first half but failed to convert them. The Artillery Centre had a couple of chances that were neutralized by the bank’s goalkeeper. The match ended in a goalless draw, and in the tiebreaker, the Artillery Centre won 3-1. The goalkeeper Biju was the hero by pulling off two spectacular saves to win it for the Artillery team and bagging the best goalkeeper award. Mr Mawia was judged the best striker, Mr Pawan was adjudged the best defender, and Mr Jay Ruikar was judged the player of the tournament.

Despite the loss in the finals, Union Bank of India put up a great fight and proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. The team’s dedication and hard work have paid off, and they will continue to be a platform for young and talented players to showcase their skills and achieve their dreams

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