Royston’s lone goal ends Air India’s unbeaten streak
A second-half strike from Royston D’Souza helped Union Bank of India (UBI) to register a memorable win against the defending champions Air India in the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) Elite Division game at Cooperage Stadium on Wednesday evening.
This win also ends Air India’s unbeaten streak which lasted for more than a year. This result was also Union Bank of India’s first win against Air India in an Elite Division fixture in the last 20 years. Although UBI has beaten Air India in Nadkarni Cup and Independence Cup over the years.
The first-half saw both the team having same number of opportunities, and surprisingly both of them failed to convert it in front of the goal. UBI had a fine start altogether, their determination to beat the defending champions was clearly visible.
UBI could have got the lead on the 17th minute itself. Royston D’Souza found Shravan Shetty with a pin point long ball, whose header was just off target.
Air India almost replied with a goal when Anuraj Sidhu headed his effort over the bar from Rugved Yeole’s free kick. Few minutes later, Air India once again came close to score as Anuraj saw his low drive hitting the inside off the post, which would have changed the course of the whole match.
With few minutes left for the break, UBI once again came close to score which was their best chance of the first-half.
Royston D’Souza found Pratik Koli who delivered a fantastic cross towards attacking midfielder Valentine Pereira, with the goalkeeper out of his position, Valentine only had to put the cross into the empty net but his diving header instead went wide.
Although just two minutes into the second-half, UBI finally broke the deadlock. Daniel Muthu’s fine cross was parried away by Air India’s goalkeeper Ubaid CK which fell into Royston’s path, who comfortably put the ball into the empty net to give UBI a much needed lead over a dominant Air India.
The game changed from there itself. Air India’s coach Godfrey Pereira brought in Raynier Fernandes in the second-half, who almost had an immediate impact on the game.
On the 53rd minute, Raynier delivered a brilliant cross into the box, which was cleared by UBI’s goalkeeper Sheldon Raghwan but unforutnately fell into Sunny Thakur’s path, who lashed a thunderous volley which rattled the bar.
Minutes later UBI breathed a sigh of relief when Sheldon Raghwan brilliantly saved Sunny Thakur’s shot, who danced his way into the 18 yard box through three defenders.
With 20 minutes left, Air India’s Henderson Dias had a great opportunity to equalize. The number 7 poked his effort wide from Raynier Fernandes cross from the left flank.
With Air India pressurizing UBI’s backline, the back four of UBI had to play for their lives in the last stages of the game. Air India’s Rugved Yeole saw his left footed shot cleared from the line by UBI’s defender Ashish Pawaskar, who was tremendous for the whole match alongside Dion Menezes.
UBI held their nerves in the stoppage time to become the first team for more than a year to defeat Air India in the Elite Division. A memorable day for UBI’s player and management, indeed. As for Air India, this loss can crash their hopes for winning the Elite Division Title.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…