From nail-biting shootouts to last-minute heroics: A recap of the MFA 1st and 3rd division finals

by Chittu Shetty August 12, 2025

The MFA 1st and 3rd Division finals delivered an unforgettable day of football with Yeshua FC and Navanagar FC crowned champions after dramatic penalty shootouts and late winners

The Neville D’Souza ground in the heart of Mumbai football came alive last sunday as the MFA 1st and 3rd Divisions concluded their seasons with a spectacular day of final matches. After months of intense battles and grinding matchdays, the final day matches delivered an unforgettable spectacle of drama of penalty shootouts, a comeback for the ages, and a nail-biting finish.

MFA First Division: Yawn FC’s Epic Comeback & Navanagar’s Late Drama

The First Division also began with its third-place playoff, a game that will be remembered for years to come. Catholic Gymkhana went 2-0 up with goals from Reuben and Bhavesh, but Yawn FC mounted a breathtaking second-half comeback. Dillion pulled one back for them before Blaise scored the equalizer in the 63rd minute. Joshua completed the miraculous turnaround with a winner in the 70th minute, earning Yawn FC a well-deserved third-place finish.

The final match of the day brought the curtains down on the MFA First Division season with a clash between Mumbai Warriors FC and Navanagar FC. The game was an intense affair, with Mumbai Warriors initially controlling possession and frustrating their opponents. Just when everyone assumed a third penalty shootout of the day was inevitable, Navanagar FC, the team from Madh, displayed a “never give up” attitude. Divyesh became the hero, netting an epic brace in the final 10 minutes of the game to seal a 2-0 victory and the coveted title for Navanagar FC.

MFA Third Division: Kandivali FC Clinches Third, Yeshua FC Takes the Title

The day kicked off with the battle for third place in the MFA Third Division between Kandivali FC and Indian Gymkhana. In a testament to their strong defensive performances, neither team could find the back of the net in regulation time, forcing a tense penalty shootout. Kandivali FC held their nerves, with their keeper making a crucial save to secure a 3-1 victory on penalties and the third-place trophy.

The ultimate finale of the Third Division saw Mumbai City FC take on Yeshua FC. Mumbai City FC displayed a possession-based style of play with quality attacks, but they were unable to convert their chances against a resolute Yeshua FC defense. With the match ending goalless, the title came down to a dramatic shootout. While Mumbai City FC’s keeper made the first save, it was Yeshua’s goalkeeper Rohit Vishwakarma who emerged as the hero, making two spectacular saves to clinch the title. The crowd, a vocal supporter base for Yeshua FC, erupted in joy as their team was crowned champions.

Individual Accolades

The achievements of the teams were celebrated alongside the outstanding individual performances of the season. The awards were presented by Chief Guest, Mr. Sudhakar Shitap — Senior Inspector of Police (Naigaon), a former Maharashtra State Police and Greater Mumbai Police goalkeeper, and a Harwood League Champion in 2006.

MFA 1st Division Award Winners

• Best Defender: Faizi Abbas (Mumbai Warriors FC)
• Best Forward: Divyesh Lakde (Navanagar FC)
• Best Midfielder: Rushikesh Koli (Navanagar FC)
• Best Goalkeeper: Vipul Pagdhare (Catholic Gymkhana FC)

MFA 3rd Division Award Winners

• Best Goalkeeper: Rohit Vishwakarma (Yeshua FC)
• Best Defender: Prince Alibag (Yeshua FC)
• Best Midfielder: Ryan Pereira (Mumbai City FC Youth)
• Best Forward: Nathan Vaz (Mumbai City FC Youth)

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