MDFA Nadkarni Cup: Air India thrash RSF, Mumbai City edge UBI to enter Semifinals

by Chittu Shetty September 8, 2019

Air India cruise to Semi-finals while Mumbai City FC U18 played out a hard fought win against UBI to seal qualification to the last four spot of 2019 Nadkarni Cup. 

In a one sided encounter, Suraj Negi, Rosenberg starred with brace in Air India’s massive 7-0 victory over RSF in the 3rd quarterfinals of MDFA Nadkarni Cup. The game began with Air India going on offence from the get go. They were soon rewarded with a goal in the 13th minute when striker Suraj Negi’s strike found the back of the net. Rosenberg doubled the lead in the 22nd minute before Suraj Negi completed his brace at the stroke of half time.

Second half began on similar fashion with Rishikesh, Sanchit Singh & Rishik Shetty chipped in a goal apiece to take the tally to 6-0. Rosenberg then hammered the final nail in the 75th minute to complete the 7-0 rout. Air India next face Mumbai Customs in the semi-finals on Monday, 9th September.

The team atmosphere is amazing. We are pumped up for the semi finals. The confidence is high as we’ve won the previous matches by a good margin.

Despite the weather conditions, the team has been executing the coaches’ instructions quiet well on the field. We will work harder and improve our performance in the forthcoming matches.

– Shanon Pereira, Air India Midfielder

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In the final Quarterfinal encounter, Mumbai City U18 managed to overcome U.B.I 2-1 to advance to the semi final stage. The Junior Islanders managed to take control of the proceeding with quick early goals as Abel Fernandes opened the scoring in the 8th minute of game through a penalty. Five minutes later, Sarvesh Bangar doubled the lead to put UBI under pressure.

In the second half, UBI tried to comeback but found it hard to trouble a resolute Mumbai City defence. Finally in the 72nd minute, UBI pulled one back after a momentary lapse from Islanders keeper saw UBI awarded an indirect free-kick inside the box. In the resulting melee, Jay Wadhwan managed to sneak the ball past the last line of defence and into the net to make it 2-1. In the final few minutes, UBI put everything into the attack in search of equalizer, however Islanders held on to their goal lead to make it through to the semi-finals.

Team atmosphere has been in great both on & off field. Boys are following the plan & performing with positive attitude on field. Boys are very motivated; there is always learning from every match which can help us to get better.

We have a bit less time to recovery & prepare for our next match on September 9th (Semi-final) but it is the competition rules and we acknowledge it. We will always be positive as we get more and more competitive matches for our players

– Mohan Das, Head Coach of Mumbai City FC U18

Results-Nadkarni Cup(Quarter Finals)

Air India (Suraj Negi 13’, 45’, Rosenberg 22’, 75’, Rishikesh, Sanchit Singh, Rishik Shetty) 7 – 0 R.S.F

Mumbai City (Abel Fernandes 5’, Sarvesh 13’) 2 – 1 U.B.I (Jay Uashwa 72’)

For upcoming fixtures and Group table of Nadkarni Cup: Visit here

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

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