MSMFL: Phase 1 Sets the Stage for Fierce Phase 2 Battles

by Chittu Shetty May 31, 2025

Ahead of Phase 2 of the inaugural Maharashtra Senior Men’s Football League (MSMFL), we take a look at the teams’ Phase 1 performance, highlighting the contenders, the challenges, and what to anticipate as the league enters its crucial second half.

After seven intense matchdays at the Sinhgad Sports Complex in Lonavala, clear frontrunners have emerged, while others grapple with inconsistency, setting a captivating stage for the highly anticipated Phase 2, set to begin in just a few days.

The Frontrunners: Magic Made Soccer and MYJ-GMSC Lead the Pack

Despite an early reputation for disciplinary issues, Magic Made Soccer have remarkably found their stride and, more importantly, their composure. After facing consistent red card woes in earlier matchdays, they’ve ensured their discipline remains intact in the latter half of Phase 1, crucial for their consistent results. Their backline has been an almost unbreakable wall, breached only once in their league opener against MH Oranje FC. Magic Made’s goal has remained untouched for the last six matches, a record helped by their impenetrable defense and ultimately sealing their Phase 1 authority. With 17 points from five wins and two draws, the team currently holds the pole position in the table, a testament to their robust defensive play.

Meanwhile, the Champions of Mumbai in the 2023-24 season, MYJ-GMSC, enjoyed an impressive five-match unbeaten streak. However, their run was finally halted on Matchday 6 in a heated contest against MH Oranje FC that saw their Head Coach Vijith Shetty and later midfielder Shannon Periera getting sent off. The match eventually ended in a 2-0 defeat for the Mighty Lions. This setback cost them their top spot. Nevertheless, the Mighty Lions made their way back on Matchday 7 with a dominant 9-0 victory over Ratnagiri Pioneers. With 16 points and a strong goal difference, MYJ-GMSC is still a serious contender at the 2nd spot, and their combination of experience and youth makes them a constant threat for Phase 2.

The Curious Case of Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Volatility

Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Phase 1 campaign has been a study in inconsistency. After a decent start, securing seven points from their first three games, Oranje experienced frustrating back-to-back 1-0 losses against Pune sides, where their scoring touch seemed to desert them. While these defeats could have derailed their campaign, they mounted a significant comeback in the very next game. Showing their fair share of brilliant moments, MH Oranje picked up a crucial win against MYJ-GMSC, inflicting their opponent’s first loss of the season. Ahead of the break, they emphatically returned to their high-scoring ways, defeating Milan SB Foundation 11-0 and reaching double figures once more. Despite having the league’s highest goal tally (26 goals for) and best goal difference (+23), their erratic form has hindered their progress to the top. Finding a consistent rhythm will be paramount if they harbor serious I-League 3 promotion ambitions in Phase 2.

The Resurgent Pune Sides: AIYFA and Snigmay FC

After a solitary point in their first two outings, Pune’s AIYFA gained significant momentum from the following matchdays, solidifying their position in the top half of the table. Their impressive run included a resounding 6-0 victory over Ratnagiri and a gutsy comeback from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw against Navi Mumbai SA. On the final day of Phase 1, they engaged in a tough, end-to-end battle with table-toppers Magic Made, only to concede in stoppage time at the 90+2′ mark and lose narrowly. Currently placed 4th, AIYFA’s performances signal their intent for a strong push in Phase 2.

Similarly, for Snigmay FC, fortunes have turned for the better. After picking up just 1 point in the first three games, Snigmay has come back strong with a hat-trick of wins. Strikers Vaibhav Shetti and Ghulam Ansari have played a key role in this impressive turnaround. With 10 points and a game in hand, Snigmay is now well positioned to make a significant push in Phase 2.

NMSA Left Playing Catch-up

The Thane Champions, Navi Mumbai Sports Association (NMSA), experienced a dip in performance in the latter half of Phase 1 despite often going toe-to-toe with their opponents. On Matchday 5, they narrowly lost to Magic Made after conceding a stoppage-time penalty. On Matchday 6, despite Siddharth Colaco’s brace, they conceded an 89th-minute set-piece, resulting in a frustrating draw against AIYFA. Their Day 7 fixture was postponed, leaving them 6th with a game in hand. NMSA will be looking to unleash their full potential through stronger team unity and capitalize on their game in hand in the upcoming phase.

A Steep Learning Curve for Milan SB Foundation and Ratnagiri Pioneers

For Milan SB Foundation and Ratnagiri Pioneers, Phase 1 proved to be a challenging learning experience. Both teams found themselves at the bottom of the table, absorbing heavy defeats and highlighting significant concerns regarding squad depth. Ratnagiri Pioneers and Milan SB, in particular, suffered from having a small squad. Although challenging, their involvement in this state-level competition provides invaluable exposure and experience, which both clubs will undoubtedly seek to enhance and address squad concerns prior to Phase 2 commencing.

As the Maharashtra Senior Men’s Football League approaches its exciting second half, teams are now fully aware of each other’s styles and strengths. The stage is set for a fiercely competitive battle for the top spot and, eventually, a possible I-League 3 qualification.

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