Services hold Maharashtra to qualify for final rounds of Santosh Trophy
After taking an early lead, Maharashtra failed to maintain the scoreline and ended on equal terms against Services at the end of the day.
On their fourth outing against the defending champions Services, Maharashtra had a dream start to the match. 10 minutes onto the game, Maharashtra received a free-kick outside the box. An effort from Dion Menezes deflected slightly by the opposition defense found the net giving Maharashtra the lead.
Services put immense pressure ever since they conceded. Failing to cope with the pressure, Nachiket Palav was penalized for a rough tackle on an attacker. However, the defense stood robust and the half time score read in favor of Maharashtra. They led by a solitary goal when the first half ended.
Nothing changed in the second half as Services kept on maintaining the pressure. Soon as the second half commenced, within three minutes, Nikhil Prabhu picked up a yellow. Niyaj Ahmed Patel followed the list as his rough tackle got him booked.
Maharashtra launched a brilliant attack at the 66th minute when Advait Shinde’s through ball found Pragnesh. Pragnesh made a solo run but his feeble attempt on goal failed trouble the keeper. Within the next two minutes Services earned a penalty, An excellent corner saw an attacker keep the ball on target which was deflected by Dhurvesh’s hand.
Star striker, Lallawmkima PC, made no mistake and put the ball back into the net. After the equalizer, in a sudden melee, Maharashtra coach received a yellow and Services manager received a direct red card. Apparently both of them misbehaved with the management and the opposition players. In the end despite best efforts from the Maharashtra the game ended in a 1-1 draw. With this result, Services qualified for the final round of the tournament on the basis of better goal differences.
The final whistle of the match concluded Maharashtra’s qualification hopes. Services qualified from Group A of the West Zone Qualifiers of the Santosh Trophy.
Early in the morning encounter, Lakshadweep came out on top by defeating Daman & Diu 3-1 to get out of the bottom spot in the group table. Faizal dribbled past two players before slotting home the opener in the 14th minute to put Lakshadweep on lead. In the 40th minute, Raj Bhoir header off a Brandon Picardo corner kick pulled things back on level terms for Daman.
In the second half, Lakshadweep came out strong winning a penalty around the hour mark which Sahad TI made no mistake in converting to put his side on lead. Daman tried their best to comeback but late in the game, in an counter-attacking move Abdul Nazar doubled the lead for the Lakshadweep to put the game to bed.
Result:
Services (Lallawmkima PC 69′ (P)) 1 – 1 Maharashtra (Dion Menezes 10′)
Lakshadweep (Faizal 14′, Sahad TI 20′ (P), Abdul Nazar 88′) 3 – 1 Daman & Diu (Raj Bhoir 40′)
For Fixtures and League table of Santosh Trophy (West Zone Qualifiers): Click here
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: India lift maiden SAFF U18 title
Also Read: Everyone is waiting for the match against Services: Maharashtra Coach Yusuf Ansari
Football Counter would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on your experience: Feedback on Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
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,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
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…
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…