Shoaib Baig & Craig Dsouza Heroic seals First victory for Kalina Rangers in MPL 2025-26

by FC December 19, 2025

The Mumbai Premier League (MPL) 2025-26 season saw a shift in momentum for Kalina Rangers CFF as they secured their first victory of the campaign.

After a challenging start to the season, the Rangers delivered a masterclass in attacking football to overcome Waves FC with a convincing 4-0 scoreline.

The victory was defined by a clinical first-half performance and a late flourish from Craig Dsouza.

The fixture carried immense weight for both sides, as both had entered the pitch searching for their first points of the new season. Newly promoted Waves FC had previously fallen to the defending champions, India On Track, in a spirited season opener, while Kalina Rangers were eager to bounce back from a heavy defeat against Reliance Foundation Young Champs.

From the opening whistle at the Neville D’Souza Ground, Kalina Rangers appeared the more composed and dominant side. Much of this control was attributed to Tyson Patel, who excelled in his new role, anchoring the midfield with flawless positioning and providing line-breaking passes that kept Waves FC on the back foot.

The breakthrough for the Rangers arrived as early as the 6th minute through a perfectly executed corner routine. Craig Dsouza took a short corner before delivering a precise, outswinging cross into the heart of the penalty area. Muhammad Shameen rose highest, connecting with a towering header that left the Waves goalkeeper with no chance and gave Kalina the early advantage.

The pressure didn’t subside, and in the 32nd minute, Shoaib Baig reflected his individual brilliance. After driving solo through the defensive line, Baig found space at the edge of the box and unleashed a low, driven shot into the bottom left corner, ensuring Kalina went into the halftime break with a comfortable 2-0 cushion.

Waves FC emerged for the second half with renewed intent, looking to claw their way back into the contest. Kunal Mangela was a standout for the newcomers, putting in a shift of tireless defensive work to thwart further attacks, while Alex Erangle worked tirelessly on the wings to provide service into the final third.

Waves created their best opportunity when Trushan Nagi sent a dangerous low square pass across the six-yard box, but Sujal Patil was unable to convert the sitter, a miss that ultimately proved costly.

As the match entered its final stages, Kalina Rangers completely took the game away from their opponents. In the 90th minute, Shoaib Baig once again turned provider, darting down the wing and squaring a perfect pass for Craig Dsouza to tap in at the far post. Craig wasn’t finished, however, and just two minutes later, he produced the goal of the game. Picking up the ball nearly 25 yards out, he unleashed a thunderous rocket that flew into the bottom corner.

While Kalina Rangers CFF celebrate a vital three points to kickstart their climb up the MPL table, Waves FC will head back to the drawing board as they search for their first points in the top flight.

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