MFA Nadkarni Cup 2024: MH Oranje, Mumbai City FC, and Iron Born Make Strong Progress in Round II

by Chittu Shetty November 10, 2024

The MFA Nadkarni Cup 2024 has kicked off with action-packed clashes and compelling narratives, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament. With early upsets and high-energy performances, teams like Mumbay FC, MH Oranje, Mumbai City FC, CFCI, and Iron Born have advanced through Round II.

Season Opener: Kalina Rangers-CFF vs. Mumbay FC

The season began with a clash between Kalina Rangers-CFF and Mumbay FC, setting the bar high with a nail-biting 2-1 victory for Mumbay FC. Kalina’s Clinton Dsouza put them ahead in the first half, giving his side a slender lead. But the second half saw Mumbay FC seize control, with Lalith Bangera slotting home a penalty in the 54th minute that narrowly slipped past keeper Scott Moraes. Parag’s late winner in the 77th minute completed a spirited comeback, securing Mumbay’s place in Round II.

Brief Score: Kalina Rangers 1 (Clinton 29′) – 2 Mumbay FC (Lalith 54′, Parag 77′)

CFCI vs. Mumbai Customs

CFCI put on a masterclass, overwhelming Mumbai Customs in a stunning 5-0 triumph. Forward Krishnanshoo stole the show with a remarkable hat trick, while dynamic full-back Ishant added to the tally in the second half. Pathrose capped the scoring in stoppage time, sealing CFCI’s dominant performance and a smooth passage to the next round.

Brief Score: CFCI 5 (Krishnanshoo 19′, 57′, 63′, Ishant 71′, Pathrose 90+4′) – 0 Mumbai Customs

MH Oranje FC vs. Union Bank of India

A showdown between two titans saw MH Oranje FC edge past Union Bank of India in a nail-biting penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Pratham Ghatnur’s powerful header in the 60th minute put MH Oranje ahead, but Union Bank’s Neston quickly leveled just a minute later. The drama extended into penalties, where Mohd. Khatib’s decisive strike secured Oranje’s place in Round II.

Brief Score: MH Oranje FC 1(5) (Pratham 60′) – 1(4) Union Bank of India (Neston 62′)

Mumbai City FC vs. Reserve Bank of India

Mumbai City FC showcased their offensive prowess with a sweeping 6-0 victory over Reserve Bank of India. Ahan Sharma’s hat trick in the second half, alongside a brace from midfield dynamo Aadil Sheikh and a neat finish by full-back Tanush Pandey, left RBI with no answer to Mumbai’s relentless attack.

Brief Score: Mumbai City FC 6 (Ahan 51′, 66′, 83′, Aadil 54′, 87′, Tanush 73′) – 0 Reserve Bank of India

Iron Born FC vs. Mumbai Port Trust

Iron Born FC secured their first win of the season with a composed 2-0 performance against Mumbai Port Trust. New signing Dominic struck early in the 12th minute with a clinical finish, setting the tone for the match. Jatin added a second in the 72nd minute with a long-range effort that sealed Iron Born’s advance.

Brief Score: Iron Born FC 2 (Dominic 12′, Jatin 72′) – 0 Mumbai Port Trust

With five fixtures now complete in Round I, the MFA Nadkarni Cup 2024 is already heating up. The upcoming matches will see PIFA Sports face Kenkre FC on the 11th, Bank of India take on Bank of Baroda, D.K Flag Foundation go up against Bank of Baroda on the 13th, and MYJ-GMSC versus Central Bank of India on the 14th.

Stay tuned as the action continues in this prestigious tournament!