MDFA Elite Division (Private): Close contest up top as just five points separate five teams

by Chittu Shetty April 8, 2020

A quick look at the current season of MDFA Elite Division (Private) group where five teams were battling it out for 4 playoff spots before the league went on a sudden break.

In what can be described as a roller-coaster of a season, five teams vying for the top four play-off spots are separated within five points in the MDFA Elite Division – (Private) group. There is also a close relegation battle between two teams while the season also has witnessed a season long ban on one of the controversial title contenders.

The contenders

Former I League 2^nd Division side, Kenkre FC currently lead the group table with 23 points in 10 games. Just a point behind are KSA, who are 2^nd placed with a game in hand. Next in line are PIFA Colaba and Mumbai Strikers SC both the sides are at 19 points with the latter having a one game advantage. At the fifth spot with 18 points from 10 games is GM Sports Club.

After the opening game loss to GMSC, Kenkre picked up the pace brightly with 7 wins in the next 9 games including a mammoth 9-1 win over Mumbai Muslims. Draws against Millat FC and ICL Payyade meant Kenkre could not take a sizable lead up top against their close competitors. Second placed Karnatak Sporting Association had a similar story suffering their only loss of the campaign against GMSC. A draw against Companeroes has pegged KSA back from overtaking Kenkre, however with a game in hand, KSA would fancy their chances of topping the league.

For PIFA, it has been a topsy turvy campaign with impressive wins over GMSC, Millat FC that have kept them in play-off race. However loss against Companeroes, Mumbai Strikers and Salsette have put on a dent on the campaign. With fixtures against KSA and Kenkre yet to be played out, PIFA will look to be on their best form to remain in the play-off spot when the league eventually ends.

Also Read: Bryce, Henderson lead IT charge for MDFAElite Division title

Also Read: Late entrant ONGC – a force to reckon with

For Elite Division League Fixtures and Table – – -> Click here

After two seasons of mid table finishes, Mumbai Strikers seem to have turned things around. On the back of some resolute defensive performances, the club is currently placed at fourth spot with 19 points in 9 games. Such has been their defence that Mumbai Strikers has conceded goals in just two games in the entire season so far, keeping 7 clean sheets. The two games where they conceded goals is the only two games where they ended up as a losing side. With four games left and all against teams placed below them, Mumbai Strikers would fancy their chances to make it to the play-offs this season.

Another side challenging the play-off spot is GMSC, who have managed to beat both the league leaders Kenkre FC and KSA. However loss against their other two fellow play-off contenders – Mumbai Strikers and PIFA Colaba and three draws in the campaign so far meant GMSC are currently placed just outside the play-off mark. GMSC would look to slide back in from the remaining games and make it their back to back play-off appearances.

The ban and the relegation battle

Indian Super League side Mumbai City had sent in their U18 squad to participate in the Elite Division league. The ISL outfit at one point were leading the table with 12 points in four games. However, post the game against Karnatak Sporting Association which had ended in a 0-1 loss, a visibly upset players and support staff of Mumbai City FC U18 team got involved in a physical altercation with assistant match referee Umesh Patel. This resulted in the organisers MDFA taking a strict disciplinary action to give the club and its players and officials a season long ban.

Meanwhile at the other end of the table, Bombay Muslims and FSI Seaview face the relegation battle with just one point separating the two teams. Both the side has just two games in hand to save their season. Placed at the ninth spot, Salsette FC seems to have just avoided the danger with three point advantage and a game in hand.

Amidst the ongoing Covid – 19 pandemic whether the league is restarted or not is yet to be seen but there is no doubt that if it does make it back then the final leg of the season will be one hell of a thrilling ride.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

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