Indian Navy started their season on a high note where they won five straight games to strengthen their position in the standings whereas defending champions Air India took time to settle. There has been close to over 200 goals scored so far, let’s look at the ‘Top five goalscorers in the MDFA Elite Division’ this season.

5. Malemnganba Meitei (Mumbai FC) – 5 goals

Mumbai FC’s new signing Malemnganba Meitei from Bengaluru FC proved to be a jackpot as the Manipur born attacking midfielder scored five goals in as many matches in the Elite Division. His pace is what defenders are worried about. His quick feet, dribbling and decision making has made him one of Mumbai FC’s best signing this season.

Meitei’s first goal came against Union Bank of India in the MDFA Elite Division from a close range header ,which was his debut match for Mumbai FC. This match also proved to be Mumbai FC’s first win of the Elite Division as they floored Union Bank of India 5-2. In the very next match, the 23 year old midfielder once again found the back of the net where Mumbai FC thrashed Central Railway 5-0.

Metei’s best performance came against PIFA Colaba on 6th November, 2015 where he not only scored twice but also provided Mumbai FC’s third goal. His fifth and final goal for Mumbai FC came recently in a match against RCF where the ‘Mumbaikars’ registered a 5-1 win.

4. Parminder Singh (ONGC – Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) – 6 goals

ONGC who are sitting right behind defending champions Air India and Mumbai FC in the standings so far has a very strong attacking side, inspired from Enock Annan and Parminder Singh, the last season’s runner-up has displayed some of the best performances this season.

Their key player Parminder Singh has already made his mark this season with five goals so far. Parminder opened his goal tally with a sublime strike against Kenkre FC on 20th September, 2015 at Cooperage where ONGC had to settle for a draw.

The number 11 didn’t scored in the next three games, but on 2nd November, 2015 against G.M Sports Parminder Singh was nothing short of perfection as he found the back of the net four times with ONGC defeating GM Sports 8-2 in a goal-fest at Cooperage Stadium.

Parminder’s sixth and final goal came against PIFA Colaba on 30th December, 2015.

3. Cletus Paul (Mumbai FC) – 6 goals

Another new signing for Mumbai FC quickly adapted to Mumbai’s game plan and managed to score six goals in the process which includes one hat-trick. Like his teammate Malemnganba Meitei even Cletus scored in his debut match against Union Bank of India. Although he bagged a brace.

Cletus has been quite threatening in the box, his aerial abilities and first touch has impressed head coach Khalid Jamil who has started Cletus Paul in most of the matches.

After failing to score in the next two games, Cletus came into the act as he bagged a fine hat-rick against Karnataka Sports Association (KSA) on 13th November, 2015 at Cooperage Stadium as Mumbai FC ran out 5-2 as victors.

Cletus sixth goal came against Central Bank of India in a 3-0 win after a thunderous goal which buried in the back of the net.

2. Taisuke Matsugae (Mumbai FC) – 6 goals

Mumbai FC’s third player who made it to the list with Malemnganba Meitei and Cletus Paul. The Japanese sensation is also Mumbai’s Captain and has already proved his management with some astonishing performance so far.

The 33 year old Japanese has scored six goals and provided more than five times in the ongoing Elite Division and also inspired Mumbai FC to win Nadkarni Cup 2015. Taisuke scored in the very first match against Union Bank of India in a 5-2 victory and bagged another goal against Central Railway.

Taisuke’s next goal came against Karnataka Sports Association where Mumbai FC registered a 5-2 victory, inspired from Cleus Paul’s fine hat-trick. The number 11 got his name on the score-sheet against Central Bank of India and RCF, where he bagged a brace to help Mumbai FC win 5-1.

Taisuke has been a fan favorite since he joined Mumbai FC. His injury time header against Bharat FC in I-League last season has made him a star in Mumbai.

1. Arihi Uchela (KSA – Karnataka Sports Association) – 8 goals

The top scorer of the ongoing Elite Division is Karnataka Sports Association’s Arihi Uchela who has found the back of the net eight times so far which includes two sensational hat-tricks.

After a fine season with Karnataka Sports Association last season, the lanky striker continued his fine form with some brilliant individual performances.

Arihi’s hat-rick in the second match of the season against G.M Sports itself made his name earlier in the season. KSA went on to win the game 4-1 which will be surely not forgotten by Arihi Uchela and his teammates. After failing to find the net in the next two games, Arihi scored in a 4-1 win against RCF on 7th November, 2015 at Cooperage Stadium.

Unfortunately Karnataka Sports Association had to suffer a defeat against Mumbai FC in the very next match where Arihi Uchela scored the second goal in a 5-2 loss. After once again failing to score against Indian Navy, Arihi Uchela came back strongly against Central Railway.

On 7th December, 2015 Arihi Uchela proved to be unstoppable as he bagged another hat-trick for Karnataka Sports Association in a 5-1 demolition against the Railways. This was Arihi’s second hat-trick of the season which no other player has achieve to do so this season.

The post Top five goalscorers in the MDFA Elite Division so far this season appeared first on Football Counter.

Mumbai FC being a much more experienced side, made the most of it right from the off, asking questions of the Kenkre defence with Abhishek Ambekar going close in the early minutes of the game.

With Mumbai FC piling on the pressure, it din’t take much long for them to get on the scoreboard, going into the lead in the 15th minute when a cross from left back Allan Dias into the box was cleared by a Kenkre defender towards Manuel D’Souza, who played it to Cletus Paul, the tall & lanky striker having a powerful shot on him did the rest, sending the ball past a hapless Sabeesh under the Kenkre bar.

Cletus Paul seemed to be enjoying himself upfront with the service from Mumbai FC’s quality midfiled, with another effort on goal after a pin point cross by John Coutinho was met by him as he rose highest in the box, only to see his header denied by the post.

Mumbai FC looked in cruise control, dominating the game, keeping a large share of the ball possession and attacking at will, with their Japanese import Taisuke Matsugae and Pradeep Mohanraj pulling the strings from midfield and initiating most of the moves during the game.

In the 39th minute their efforts payed dividends as a good flow of passes in middle lead to a through ball for Cletus Paul, confident from his earlier strike he made no hesitation in putting the ball past the keeper yet again, giving Mumbai FC a 2-0 lead going into the break.

On the other side of halftime Kenkre came all out, knowing a goal could bring them back into the game. The play kept picking up pace with Kenkre trying to lauch some attacks of their own but it was the experience of the Mumbai FC centre back Kali Alaudeen, that proved to be a stumbling block for Kenkre, as he kept breaking up their attacks.

Mumbai FC then weathered the storm and got back into the game, making passes and keeping the ball as the Kenkre players kept going around in circles. The frustration got to them as Yash Mhatre got sent off in the 70th minute by referee Richard Dixon, for use of abusive language.

Another player having a great day on the field was left back Allan Dias, a player who caught the eye with his deadly crosses and creativity down the left flank, all his hard work was rewarded in 83rd minute when John Coutinho whipped in a corner kick which was headed across goal by Justin Stephen, Allan took his chance, sending the ball home and putting the game to bed with an acrobatic finish. Mumbai FC with this sort of performance from their players are looking like a powerful force and solid contenders in the division.

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