10 men PIFA Colaba U-19 deny Blitzkreig all three points

by Prasad bhutkar February 4, 2016

PIFA Colaba U-19 scored a brilliant equaliser to draw 1-1 against Blitzkreig in the Mumbai District Football Association ( MDFA), First Division match held on Thursday afternoon at St Xavier’s ground, Parel.

The match was a fascinating one as both teams were successful in playing a beautiful passing game. We witnessed some slick movements in the first half as both teams had  50% possession. The end product is what lacks in such games which prevents it from becoming a high scoring one. PIFA Colaba had the best chance of the 1st half when a cross from the left which needed a touch could not be converted. It was Blitzkreig who made them pay taking the lead in the 23rd minute. When number 22 Francis Corneiro scored the goal giving his team the lead.

PIFA Colaba looked sharp towards the end moments of the first half as they maintained pressure on their opponents in search of a leveler. At half time Blitzkreig went in with a 1-0 lead.

PIFA Colaba came out with a renewed vigour as they looked to overturn the deficit. It looked difficult against this Blitzkreig side who was in no mood to let the lead slip. And they broke on the counter on for their left winger to take a wonderful shot at goal only to see it go behind for a goal kick. A shot which has power and precision but not the correct direction. But with 20 minutes remaining PIFA got their equaliser when number 15 Akshay Khadke controlled the ball efficiently at the edge of the box before volleying it past the keeper. One of the goals of the highest quality which brought them level. And they could have snatched a win when number 2 Soham’s precisely controlled shot of the corner hit the post and went out. Number 16 Saif Sheikh also came close to scoring but could not convert his chance.

PIFA Colaba U-19 had a man sent off in the final moments of the game. But that did not affect the result as both team had to settle for a single point. The teams must be given credit for playing some lovely football throughout the match as they entertained the crowd who was all praises in the end.