MDFA U14 Y-League: Rhema and Steadfast share points in a 6 – goal thriller

by Balbir Singh November 3, 2016

Lions Sports Complex, Santacruz, Mumbai: On Wednesday afternoon, Steadfast featured in their group ‘B’ match against Rhema Sports Foundation, in the inaugural under-14 league by Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) & Mumbai City Football Club. An enthralling encounter between the two sides finished at 3-3, as a resolute Rhema side cameback from three goals down to even matters.

Steadfast got to a perfect start, opening the scoring on 6 minutes through Zeeyan Nevrekar. After some fine interchange of passes and pressure from Steadfast, a goal proved to be a fine platform to build upon. A likely second goal followed in the 23rd minute, as a result of Rhema’s poor organisation at the back, this time from Jaffer Masuri. In-between the goals scored by Steadfast, Rhema tried to get back into the game, but failed put any noteworthy impact on the proceedings.

Throughout the match, Stedfast’s Lalit Bangera remained a pivotal figure for his side to contest on the attacking front. A fine performance on-and-off the ball from Bangera brought him praise from his coach and teammates, a goal in the 33rd minute was a testimony to his individual talent on display. Rhema, meanwhile, struggled to test Ronak Shetna in goal for Steadfast, as the second-half progressed; despite being good on the ball.

Rhema managed to force a goal back nine minutes from time, in the 51st minute, via Vidhit Vohra. If the goal itself wasn’t enough, Rhema’s sheer determination in the aftermath of their first goal, proved too much to handle for Steadfast as they conceded twice in two minutes, and see their two-goal advantage wash off.

Adam Alvares’ brace on 56 & 57 minutes, brought back Rhema in the tie, and in timely fashion. The third goal from Rhema was followed right after Steadfast kicked-off; as the latter lost the ball in midfield to concede another 3 minutes from time.

In a game of two halves, Steadfast dominated the opening exchanges as Rhema showed great resilience to get back into the game after an underwhelming first-half.