Carmelites rally to stun Century Rayon
Carmelites produced a strong second half performance to overcome a one goal deficit and record a 2-1 win over Century Rayon in their opening game of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) 1st Division at St. Xavier’s Ground in Parel on Friday, 4th September 2015.
The game took a while to come to the boil as the first real attempt of note came from the Carmelites’ winger Amir Sayyed who rose the highest to head Amir Qureshi’s corner inches wide of the right hand side goal post.
At the other end though, Century Rayon enjoyed better luck as winger Prakash Sonawne pounced on a poor clearance from the Carmelites goalkeeper Nikhil Devkar and set up Tothalchan Vashum who headed in an almost empty goal thanks to goalkeeper Devkar’s poor positioning to fire the 2nd Division champions of last year in front in the 14th minute.
Century Rayon had a spring in the step after getting in front as their three forwards Swapam, Vashum and former KSA frontman Roger Sam started combining well to create problems for the Carmelites rearguard.
There was a moment of controversy in the 26th minute when the Century Rayon skipper Sumeet Bhosle was booked for a rash tackle on a Carmelites midfielder. Bhosle almost got himself sent off following an argument with the referee, post the booking. But his team mates cooled down the situation well as referee Cajetan Dias decided to keep the Red card in his pocket.
Despite a lucky escape, Century Rayon had the better of the game, as they went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Carmelites who needed to score to in the second half to get anything out of the game, started brightly, pushing forward in numbers and pegging Century Rayon back in their box early on in the second half.
But Century Rayon almost hit them with a quick Counter attack which saw Prakash Sonawne race clear on the right flank and lay it on a plate for T.Vashum, whose cheeky finish could only come off the post before Vashum fouled the goalkeeper while trying to convert the rebound.
After being let off the hook, Carmelites equalized at the other end through Amir Sayyed whose clever run at the far post went unnoticed as he tapped home an Arjun Pandit free kick from the left flank in the 43rd minute.
The equalizer though didn’t seem to deter Century Rayon any bit as they almost regained the lead five minutes later when Roger Sam made a darting run down left hand side to leave three Carmelites players reeling before drilling a low cross which was parried by the Carmelites goalkeeper Nikhil Devkar allowing Carmelites to clear the danger.
At the other end, Carmelites had a great chance to take the lead when a perfectly threaded through ball from midfield saw William Fernandes clear on goal in the 53rd minute, but the Century Rayon goalkeeper Vian Joseph did brilliantly to keep it out.
The game was stretched as both teams went for it and Century Rayon were extremely unlucky not to be in front a minute later when a sweet strike from Sumeet Bhosle thundered against the angle of the post. It was an absolute screamer from thirty yards which had the Carmelites goalkeeper’s heart in his mouth.
Just as it seemed the game would end all square, Century Rayon goalkeeper Vian Joseph made a complete mess of a back pass as he was tackled by Smit Devkar who had no worries in putting the ball in the back of the net and completing a great second half turnaround with just five minutes left on the clock.
Century Rayon threw the kitchen sink at Carmelites who bravery held on to seal a great win to kick start their campaign.
Defensive errors cost Century Rayon big time as failure to convert their chances compounded in their first defeat of the season.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
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…