MFA Independence Cup Day 1 Roundup: Mumbai Marines, Mumbai Ultras, ROQS-DFA reach Quarterfinals

by Chittu Shetty August 14, 2024

The MFA Independence Cup 2024-25 kicked off with an intense day of football, featuring eight matches that set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling competition.

The winners of today’s matches progresses to the quarterfinals, scheduled for tomorrow at Neville D’Souza Stadium, starting from 9:00 AM.

Match 1: Kopana FC vs. Charkop FC

In the opening match, both teams struggled to find the net during regulation time, leading to the first penalty shootout of the day. Kopana FC emerged victorious with a 3-2 win on penalties, after a 0-0 draw in regular time.

Full-time Score: 0-0 (3-2 on penalties)

Match 2: Young Guns FC vs. Mumbai Marines

The second match also ended goalless in regular time, forcing another penalty shootout. Mumbai Marines edged out Young Guns FC with a 4-3 win in penalties.

Full-time Score: 0-0 (3-4 on penalties)

Match 3: ICL U-19 vs. Tarun Sporting

ICL U-19 pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Tarun Sporting in a thrilling 3-2 victory. Despite an early goal by Tarun Sporting’s Surendra Lama, ICL U-19’s Chinmaya, and Rohan (with a brace) secured a dramatic comeback.

Full-time Score: 3-2

Match 4: Football School of India vs. Regal Sports Foundation

Newly promoted Regal Sports Foundation made a strong statement by defeating Football School of India with a second-half goal from Govind Thappa.

Full-time Score: 0-1

Match 5: JMJ FC vs. CFCI

JMJ FC,from the Mumbai Premier League last season, claimed a comfortable 1-0 victory over CFCI, thanks to Aryan Palande’s late heroics.

Full-time Score: 1-0

Match 6: Iron Born FC vs. Salsette FC

In a tightly contested match, neither team scored in regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout. Salsette FC won 3-2 in the shootout.

Full-time Score: 0-0 (2-3 on penalties)

Match 7: Somaiya FC vs. Mumbai Ultras

Mumbai Ultras secured a comfortable win, with Joyson’s penalty and Ryan’s strike in the first half sealing the victory.

Full-time Score: 0-2

Match 8: Skorost FC vs. ROQs-DFA

The final match of the day was a thriller. After Mervin gave Skorost FC the lead, Owais equalized for ROQS-DFA in the first half. Ankit’s late header secured a 2-1 victory for ROQS-DFA.

Full-time Score: 1-2

Quarterfinal Fixtures (15th August):

9:00 AM: Kopana FC vs. ICL U-19
10:00 AM: Mumbai Marines vs. Regal Sports Foundation
11:00 AM: JMJ FC vs. Mumbai Ultras
12:00 PM: Salsette FC vs. Roqs-DFA

The quarterfinal matches are expected to be as competitive as today’s round, with all teams eager to advance to the semifinals. Football enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Independence Cup continues to unfold