Group C Titans Battle to Intense Draw: Somaiya Sports Academy and SSE BFC Share Points

by FC October 6, 2025

Mumbai – The AIFF Elite Youth League Qualifiers delivered a thrilling spectacle at the Cooperage Football Ground as Group C heavyweights Somaiya Sports Academy (SSA) and SSE BFC, Mumbai played out a high-stakes, end-to-end 2-2 draw.

Both teams entered the fixture with strong momentum following massive wins on their opening days (SSA with a 6-0 win; SSE BFC with a 7-0 victory), setting the stage for an intense clash where only a win would suffice.

The match began with high intensity, reflective of the aggressive approaches both teams brought to the pitch. SSA broke the deadlock in the 20th minute following an aggressive charge into the box.

The sequence began two minutes earlier when Ishan Mohammed showcased dazzling skill on the left wing, dribbling past defenders before delivering an outrageous outer-foot cross near the penalty box. Gururaj Mane met the delivery with a perfect run but was brought down by the SSE BFC skipper centre-back, leading the referee to point to the penalty spot. Gururaj confidently stepped up and slotted the ball into the right bottom corner, scoring his third goal of the campaign in just two games.

However, SSA’s lead was short-lived. SSE BFC fired back with an almost immediate equalizer from a corner. Ishaan Shanker delivered the corner kick to the near post, where Jaden Alex met the ball with a powerful, bullet header that left the keeper, Aarnav, with no chance as the ball sailed into the net. The teams entered halftime locked at 1-1.

The second half began with renewed intensity as both sides pressed hard for the decisive goal. The Cooperage ground witnessed a moment of pure magic in the 56th minute when SSE BFC’s Ishan Ghosh scored arguably the most outrageous goal of the campaign so far. After a heavy touch near the halfway line from second ball, the defender found himself with ample space and launched a rocket from over 25+ yards that nailed directly into the top right corner, stunning everyone watching.

Somaiya quickly answered with a banger of their own to level the score. A short corner involving Vedant Gajamal and Anush Chavan saw Vedant execute some filthy footwork to penetrate the box before setting up Eshan Mohammed. Eshan fired a strike directly to the top left corner from a tight angle, equalizing the score at 2-2.

Both teams created several close chances late on but couldn’t find the back of the net, ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw.

As things stand, the draw leaves SSE BFC as the Group C leaders with a superior Goal Difference (GD) of +7, while Somaiya Sports Academy sits second with a GD of +6.

Everything now comes down to the final matchday of the Group C Qualifiers, where GD will be paramount for securing the top spot and a place in the knockout stage:

• October 10th: SSE BFC takes on Hungry Hearts SS.
• October 13th: Somaiya Sports Academy faces Kenkre FC.

The pressure is inevitable, as both teams must not only win but also score as many goals as possible to top the table. The Cooperage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the group stage of Group C.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.