Somaiya Sports Academy & India Rush Kick Off AIFF Sub-Junior League With Stalemate

by FC November 17, 2025

In a captivating encounter at the Somaiya Sports Academy ground inside the Somaiya Vidyavihar campus, the home side shared the spoils with India Rush in a tight 1–1 draw to open their AIFF Sub-Junior League Qualifiers campaign.

The Qualifying round for AIFF Sub-Junior League has officially begun in Maharashtra Zone. Somaiya Sports Academy has been placed in the Group D of the Qualifying round alongside The Soccer Academy (TSA), India Rush & Kenkre FC.

The stands were buzzing with home and away fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere for the U-14 players. The opening half saw both teams compete on equal footing. Somaiya’s Vedant Kales controlled the midfield rhythm effectively, while Mohammad Raza was a constant attacking threat in the final third, keeping India Rush’s defense on alert. Despite several promising moves from both sides, neither team managed to convert their chances, and the first half concluded goalless.

The second half began with intensity, and India Rush broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. A smooth build-up through the middle, followed by a precise one-two passing sequence, sent the ball wide to the winger. He squared a perfect pass to striker Ayaan Parab. Somaiya goalkeeper Shaurya reacted quickly and got to the ball first, but Ayaan managed to poke it past him to score the opener, sending the away fans into celebration.

The home side responded within three minutes. Skipper Giacomo D’Souza took a quick free-kick from the halfway line, catching the India Rush defense off-guard. The long ball found Ali Asad, who controlled it with a deft first touch before firing a precise shot into the far bottom corner. The stunning equalizer ignited the home crowd and Somaiya’s bench.

Both teams created late chances in pursuit of a winner, but neither could find the finishing touch. The match ended 1–1 — a result that reflected the competitive nature of the contest.

Up Next In the Group D of the Qualifying Round

• Somaiya Sports Academy will face The Soccer Academy on 19th November.
• India Rush will take on The Soccer Academy on 21st November.

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