Late drama in Deca vs. Mumbai Strikers; Mahesh Poojari secures an 89th minute winner for Deca
A late goal from Deca’s Mahesh Poojari sealed 3 vital points in an important opening playoff match against a cross-grained side in Mumbai Warriors.
In group X, Deca played hosts to Mumbai Strikers on Monday afternoon at Poinsur Football ground in the opening match of the playoffs-round in this season’s Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) Super Division.
The first-45 minutes of action between the two sides concluded in stalemate (0-0). Both defences held resolute and soaked the pressure exerted on to it throughout the half. But, the lack of a creative midfield or attacking outlet, or movement in the final-third area of the pitch from either side denied the attacking team from capitalizing on any half-chance presented.
A poor structure in the midfield-zone from the Deca as-well-as Mumbai Strikers meant neither side could take hold of the proceedings in a tight and nervy match-up, failing to create nil major goal-scoring opportunities.
While, hopelessly hitting or clearing long-balls towards surging strikers down the other end of the field remained a common site throughout the first-half. Although, Mumbai Strikers remained poised to score an opener sooner than their counterparts, Deca; recording a hatful of shots on goal, but straight towards Burzeen Cobla in-goal for Deca in the final 10 minutes of the first-half.
The opening chance of the second-half fell to Mumbai Strikers’ Ravish D’Souza, who having controlled the pass neatly, flashed his shot off-target; missing-out on converting from the best chance Mumbai Strikers had throughout the 90 minutes.
Set-pieces remained a common threat from both sides in the second-half. But, a repetition of mistakes from the first-half kept the scoreline at 0-0 with the final-15 minutes of the match remaining to unfold.
In the 82nd minute, Deca’s no.13 Joywin Nunes missed-out to convert from a similar range, where Ravish D’Souza missed on the opposite-end earlier in the second-half. The whole 90 minutes of football was a lackluster in terms of finding appropriate passes in the attacking areas of the field.
But, when Deca’s Mahesh Poojari picked the ball up on the left-flank near the opposition’s 18-yard-box, coming inside, the no.16 lashed a shot in the bottom left-corner past the trailing Mumbai Warriors goalkeeper to give his side and the match a much needed goal in the 89th minute.
RFDL’s National Championship Preview: A Heated Battle as Football’s Brightest Stars Vie for Title Win in the Final Four Showdown
The National Championship of the elite U-21 youth tournament, the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) begins on May 14, Tuesday, with four teams, i.e. defending champions Bengaluru FC, Muthoot FA, East Bengal…
Punjab FC, East Bengal FC to lock horns in Reliance Foundation Development League 2023 – 24 final after emerging triumphant in semis
Bengaluru FC and Muthoot FA to fight out in the third-place playoff Mumbai, May 14: Punjab FC and East Bengal FC qualified for the final of the Reliance Foundation Development League…
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…