NFC books their place in the Final of Holy Cross Football Tournament

by Siddharth Yadav October 19, 2015

On 18th October, 2015 Holy Cross Football Club’s 6-A side Tournament kicked-off at Holy Cross Ground, Kurla. Over 32 teams from all over Mumbai are set to participate in this Tournament where teams has been separated over two pools.

The first set of teams in Pool A played today, the next 16 teams will play on 25th October, 2015 which is also the day where the Final of Holy Cross 6-A side Football Tournament will take place.

Some of the renowned Fathers had their say in the Tournament’s inauguration. Father Amrut, Father Pascal, Placied D’Souza and even former Indian International Steven Dias held his head high during the ceremony at Holy Cross Ground.

Father Amrut followed the old tradition of Holy Cross Football Club to take a shot on goal before the start of the tournament which is believed to be an old ritual.

Now moving to the first match of the Holy Cross 6-A side Football Tournament which proved to be an exciting match between Soccer A to Z and Young Rangers Football Club Association.

Soccer A to Z went on to defeat Y.R.F.C.A 2-0 in penalty shootout after both the teams failed to score in the normal time.

In the second match, Black Stallion’s Ashish, Fahim and Lordston’s goal against Jussy Pussy were enough to send them in the next round. The Stallions proved to be too strong as they not for even once showed any mercy to their opponents.

In the same round, the likes of GN Bhandup, Naupada Fooball Club, Malvani FC, JJ FC respectively won their matches to book their place in the Quarters.

One of the most intriguing clashes of the tournament so far was witness when Air India Colony defeated Don Bosco Kurla 3-1 on penalties after the match ended 2-2 in normal time.

Don Bosco Kurla was 2-1 ahead with goals from Darren and an own goal put them in front against Air India Colony. Although Air India’s Paintal equalized with only minutes left.

Sohail, Paintal and Craig’s successful spot kicks earned them a place in the pre-quarters, joining the other seven teams which played today.

El Shaddai United FC, who were the early favorites won 3-0 against Mumbai Boys in a very comprehensive manner. Goals from Ankit, Monish and Harshil helped them in progressing into the next round.

The Pre Quarters saw some of the finest display of Football.

Rusell’s brace helped Black Stallions to overcome Soccer A to Z, whereas Monish’s second half header saw El Shaddai United booking their place in the last eight of the Tournament.

Air India Colony had the last laugh against GN Bhandup as goals from Craig, Bandya and Sohail sinked the latter 3-0.

Local favorites Naupada Football Club too booked their place in the last eight. Sairaj’s double strike proved to be the difference between Naupada FC and Malvani FC.

In the Quarters, Naupada FC again lifted up their performance as defeated El Shaddai 2-0 with Jagdish and once again, Sairaj on the score sheet.

Air India Colony and Black Stallion provided a nail biting match in their Quarter Final clash as both need to be separated through an penalty shootout where Air India converted all of their spot kicks to confirmed their place in last four.

The last match of the day proved to be the best of the lot in all aspects. In terms of quality, tempo, goals, this was surely the game of the day.

Air India Colony faced Naupada Football Club in the first semi-final of Holy Cross Football Club’s 6-A side Tournament.

After a neck to neck hard fought match it was Naupada FC who emerged as victors. Even after being 1-0 down after the break, a spectacular goal from Tushar and Sairaj’s deflected goal completed a remarkable comeback for Naupada Football Club.

Veteran Shankar Thakur stood like a warrior at the back for Naupada FC as they defended their lead courageously until the final whistle.

With this victory, Naupada Football Club has booked their place in the final of Holy Cross Football Club’s 6-A side Tournament 2015.

The next pool matches will be played on 25th October, 2015 where Naupada Football Club is eagerly waiting to face off their challengers.