CFCI Edges Past Somaiya SA in Five-Goal Thriller to Seal AIFF Sub Junior League Qualification

by FC December 1, 2025

The AIFF Sub Junior League Qualifiers delivered an intense clash in Group D as Community Football Club of India (CFCI) secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Somaiya Sports Academy (SSA) at the Somaiya Vidyavihar Campus.

The encounter was a crucial do-or-die fixture, particularly for SSA, whose qualification hopes depended on a positive result. CFCI entered the match with a perfect record, having already secured impressive wins against Kenkre FC (4-1) and Conscient Sports (8-0). SSA, meanwhile, had opened their account with a solid 3-0 victory over Conscient.

Playing at their home ground, the boys in red of SSA began with immediate intensity. Winger Jay Gurav displayed exceptional individual skill right from the kickoff, dribbling past three CFCI defenders before releasing a dangerous through pass that narrowly missed connecting with his teammate in the penalty box.

The home crowd erupted in the 20th minute when SSA broke the deadlock. Following quick exchanges, defender Md. Husain launched a long-range shot from over 25 yards. The ball smashed off the crossbar and back into play, where alert striker Shaurya Mungekar pounced on the rebound, firing a left-footed shot directly into the top right corner for the opener. SSA maintained their composure and possession to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The second half became a chaotic, end-to-end affair. While SSA looked comfortable retaining possession and dictating the flow, CFCI were lethal on quick counter-attacks.

The game changed in the 61st minute with a game-defining substitution for CFCI. Siddhant Kapoor, the super-sub, scored a stunning equalizer with his very first attack upon entering the field, leveling the score and injecting new life into the match.

The visitors’ momentum was short-lived, however. In the 70th minute, SSA restored their lead through winger Jay Gurav, whose filthy footwork and flawless strike put the home side ahead once more.

The lead, though, was short-lived. Just four minutes later, a dramatic turn saw the visitors equalize again, this time via an unfortunate own goal by Somaiya skipper Dash Bhenwal following a defensive lapse in the 74th minute.

With the score tied at 2-2 and the clock winding down, CFCI completed their strong finish. In the 85th minute, CFCI striker Om Vishwakarma netted the winner, capping a stunning second-half comeback.

The final whistle confirmed CFCI’s victory, ending the match 3-2. SSA started with intensity, they couldn’t cope with CFCI’s strong finish, allowing the visitors to complete their Group D qualification with a perfect three wins in three games and secure their spot in the next round. Somaiya will now play their final match against Kenkre FC to conclude their AIFF Sub Junior League campaign.

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