MSMFL: Early trends, twists, and turns emerge after action-packed start

by Chittu Shetty May 15, 2025

Goals, red cards, and unexpected outcomes mark the league’s initial phase, setting the MSMFL for a thrilling battle ahead

The early dust has settled in the inaugural Maharashtra Senior Men’s Football League, and after a whirlwind four days of action in Lonavala, a few clear patterns are beginning to emerge, albeit with their fair share of twists and turns. While some early frontrunners are living up to expectations, others are experiencing turbulent form, and surprise results are keeping everyone on their toes.

MH Oranje FC have been perhaps the most inconsistent team in the early stages. After an opening game draw, they roared back with a mammoth 11-0 victory in their second outing. However, their third match saw them secure a narrow 1-0 win against a determined Navi Mumbai side, a victory marked by surprising profligacy in front of goal, with the Men in Orange squandering numerous opportunities. This inconsistency was further highlighted in their subsequent encounter against Pune’s AIYFA, where despite creating chances, they fell to a 1-0 defeat – a loss that should serve as a significant wake-up call for the Mumbai outfit if they harbor serious I-League 3 promotion ambitions.

Meanwhile, Magic Made Soccer have emerged as a formidable force, currently occupying the second spot in the league standings. Their campaign, though, has been remarkably plagued by disciplinary issues, with three of their players receiving red cards in just four matches – a statistic that could prove costly as the season progresses. Despite these setbacks, their on-field performance has been impressive, highlighted by a resounding 8-0 victory on Day 3, courtesy of Arvindraj Rajan’s four goals. This dominant display was followed by a hard-fought draw against the previously unbeaten MYJ-GM in a heated match that saw both teams finish with ten men.

MYJ-GM, boasting two titles in their two seasons of existence so far, have lived up to their reputation, maintaining an unbeaten record after the initial four days. Their flexibility and knack for securing clutch wins were evident in a 2-1 victory on Day 3 over Snigmay FC, sealed by Tanmay’s stoppage-time goal. Despite missing some key players, their blend of youth and experience has shone through, with young talents seamlessly stepping into the breach.

The Thane Champions, NMSA, have shown glimpses of their potential after a somewhat nervy start. In a tense encounter against MH Oranje FC, they narrowly lost 1-0, owing much to the outstanding saves of young goalkeeper Aaryan Mhatre. The match could have yielded a different outcome had a late set-piece header not sailed agonizingly over the bar. They channeled this fighting spirit into their Day 4 fixture, unleashing a dominant performance against Ratnagiri Pioneers, winning 8-1.

The Pune clubs have begun to assert their presence after relatively slow starts. AIYFA, following a solitary point in their first two outings, have bounced back impressively with consecutive victories on Day 3 and Day 4. Their hard-fought 1-0 win over MH Oranje FC at the end of Day 4 is a significant result that will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they look to build on this momentum. Their Pune counterparts, Snigmay FC, have proven to be a tenacious side, consistently pushing their opponents to the limit. However, defensive frailties, particularly when defending set-pieces, have cost them valuable points. Their Day 3 clash with MYJ-GM ended in heartbreak, losing 2-1 to a 94th-minute goal. However, they bounced back on Day 4 with a morale-boosting first win over Milan SB Foundation.

For Ratnagiri Pioneers and Raigad District’s Milan SB Foundation, the initial phase of the league might suggest a steep learning curve. However, their participation in the Maharashtra Senior League represents a significant step forward for football in their respective districts. The valuable minutes and wealth of experience gained at this higher level of competition will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term development of their players and local footballing structures.

As the Maharashtra Senior Men’s Football League progresses, the early trends suggest a tightly contested battle with teams experiencing both highs and lows. The coming matchdays promise further excitement and will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the race for the title and potential promotion.

For Fixtures, Results and News regarding Maharashtra State Men’s Football League – Click Here and for Maharashtra State Women’s Football League – Click Here

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