Mumbai Premier League: Kalina Rangers Secure First Win in Style with 4-0 Over PIFA Sports

by Chittu Shetty November 25, 2024

Kalina Rangers earned their first win in the Mumbai Premier League 2024-25 with a commanding 4-0 performance against PIFA Sports FC.

Goals from Clinton D’Souza, Shoaib Baig, Aditya Shinde, and Dawson ensured a resounding victory, propelling Kalina to 5th place in Group A.

While this marked their first win of the season, Kalina’s defensive stability has been a standout, boasting the joint-most clean sheets in the league so far. Goalkeeper Scott Moraes and his defense were instrumental in preserving the shutout.

The game between Kalina Rangers Vs PIFA Sports began with Kalina asserting dominance from the first whistle. In the opening minute, Arjun Singh threaded a precise pass to Johnson, who switched play to the left flank, threatening PIFA’s goal but failing to capitalize.

The first half saw Kalina pressing hard for a breakthrough, and their persistence paid off in added time. An unintentional and awful handball by a PIFA defender just outside the box set up a free-kick opportunity. Johnson executed a clever delivery to Clinton D’Souza, whose timed run was matched with a right footed strike that clipped the underside of the bar before finding the back of the net, giving Kalina a crucial lead at the stroke of halftime.

Kalina carried their momentum into the second half, bolstered by halftime substitute Seaon D’Souza. In the 52nd minute, Seaon danced past multiple defenders at the edge of the box before setting up Shoaib Baig at the edge of the box. Shoaib’s quick turn and deft first touch left his marker stranded, and his composed finish doubled Kalina’s lead.

Just three minutes later, Super substitute Seaon was involved again. Dawson delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Seaon controlled the ball and laid off a perfectly weighted pass for Aditya Shinde around the penalty area. Aditya’s one-touch finish into the bottom-left corner made it 3-0, marking his first goal in the MPL.

Dawson then capped the performance with a moment of brilliance in the 62nd minute. Winning the ball deep in his half, Dawson embarked on a surging run all the way to PIFA’s D area before exchanging passes with Shoaib. A well-timed through ball by shoaib split the center-backs, and Dawson slotted home with ease, sealing Kalina’s emphatic victory.

The win sees Kalina Rangers jump from the penultimate spot to 5th in Group A, while PIFA Sports drop to 6th.

FT: Kalina Rangers (Clinton D’Souza 45+2′, Shoaib Baig 52′, Aditya Shinde 55′, Dawson 62′) 4-0 PIFA Sports

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