Three-Way Title Race in MFA 1st Division: Final Match to Determine the Champion

by Chittu Shetty August 21, 2024

The MFA First Division is poised for a thrilling finale as Shastri Nagar FC and South Mumbai United FC prepare to battle it out in a final match of the competition with Don Bosco Academy too in contention for this season’s championship title.

With everything to play for, the stakes couldn’t be higher.The Super 3 phase, involving Don Bosco FC, Shastri Nagar – OffShots FC, and South Mumbai United FC, has been nothing short of electrifying. In the opening fixture, Shastri Nagar and Don Bosco FA fought to a goalless draw.

The drama intensified when Don Bosco and South Mumbai United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw on August 16th, with South Mumbai United making a spirited comeback after conceding two early goals, only for Don Bosco to equalize in the dying minutes.

As the final match of the Super 3 approaches on August 22nd at Neville D’Souza Ground, all three teams are locked in a dead heat, each with one point and an equal goal difference of 0. This makes the upcoming clash between Shastri Nagar-OffShots FC and South Mumbai United FC a winner-takes-all showdown, with the title hanging in the balance.

South Mumbai United FC:

This season, South Mumbai United FC has emerged as a surprise package, defying expectations to secure a spot in the top three. With a robust attack, they’ve scored 27 goals in 11 games while conceding 17, making them the most battle-tested side in the competition. With eight wins, three draws, and only one loss, they’ve demonstrated both resilience and flair.

Dr. Raunak Desai, Head Coach of South Mumbai United, expressed his excitement ahead of the big game, saying, ” It’s exciting to be at this stage. Not everyone gets to be in the finals, and here we are, two years back-to-back. Now it’s time for the boys to go out there, enjoy the occasion, and bring the trophy home.”

The MFA First Division is poised for a thrilling climax as Shastri Nagar FC and South Mumbai United FC prepare to battle it out in a final match of the competition with Don Bosco Academy too in contention for this season's champions.

Shastri Nagar-OffShots FC:

On the other side, Shastri Nagar FC has been a force to be reckoned with, showcasing both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. They’ve scored an impressive 34 goals while conceding just two in nine matches, setting a high bar for their rivals. With just one loss in their campaign, they’ve proven to be a well-rounded and formidable team.

Head coach Hitesh Arora of Shastri Nagar-OffShots emphasized a pressure-free approach, stating, “The team looks in great shape, brimming with confidence. I want the boys to enjoy the game and play without pressure for the finals. It’s a team of young talents, so no pressure—I want them to learn, enjoy, and give their best.”

Fair Play Factor:

However, the title race could still hinge on an unexpected factor—fair play. Should the final match between Shastri Nagar and South Mumbai United end in a draw, the championship may be decided by fair play points, given that all three teams have identical points and goal differences.

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Here’s how the scenarios could play out:

Scenario 1: If either team wins, they take the title outright.
Scenario 2: If the final match ends in a 1-1 or 2-2 or any other goal scoring draw, South Mumbai United FC might still secure the championship due to their superior goal tally during the Super 3 stage.

Scenario 3: If the match ends in a 0-0 draw, the title will be decided based on fair play points and Don Bosco might have a chance to be crowned champions.

Shastri Nagar – Offshots FC will be knocked due to Goal score tally of 0 as both South Mumbai United and Don Bosco will have 3 goals scored. With total points, Goals for, Goals against and Goal difference all equal, the winner will have to be decided on fair play points.

Currently, South Mumbai United have three yellow cards. Don Bosco FC, however, has one yellow card and one red card, with the red card equating to three yellow cards in fair play scoring. This puts Don Bosco in a precarious position—despite their lower yellow card count, the red card could be costly.

If South Mumbai United accumulate more than two cards in the final, Don Bosco could emerge as the unexpected champions, snatching victory on the basis of superior fair play. This adds a fascinating layer of intrigue to the final match, where discipline could be as crucial as skill.

If its just one card that South Mumbai picks up and the score remains 0-0 then the final will be decided on Coin toss between the two teams