Kenkre FC who had also lost out to Central Bank of India (CBI) 5-0 in the opening game suffered yet another defeat which continues their dismissal from this season.

A goal each from Satyam Sharma, Nitesh Monde, Dharmesh Patel, and V. Lalchhuanawma proved enough for ONGC to snatch all three points in a very crucial encounter.

Both the sides took their time to settle down and for the majority of the match relied on counters. It was ONGC, though, who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute.

Satyam Sharma scored a sublime goal to break Kenkre’s resilient backline. Kenkre FC stepped up their game after the opening goal and got enough opportunities later in the match to equalise, but their attack seemed toothless in front of ONGC’s solid defence.

The second half turned out to be a very close affair but only until the 74th minute as ONGC notched up three fine goals in the last 15 minutes to outclass their opponent. Nitesh Monde scored in the 74th minute, Dharmesh Patel got one after five minutes, and the final goal was scored by Lalchhuanawma to give ONGC an important win.

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Sheldon Raghwan had a terrific last season with Elite Division Club Union Bank of India (UBI) where he was also included in the ‘Footballcounter Elite Division Team Of The Season’. His reflexes, distribution was second to none.

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Raju Haldamkar opened the scoring for ONGC early in the first-half before Parminder Singh and inform Striker Enock Annan made it 2-0 and 3-0 respectively  in the second-half. Central Bank of India did pulled one back through Deep Moorjani but it hardly affected the outcome as ONGC ran out as victors and end their season with only one loss which was against the mighty Air India.

Right from the kick-off ONGC looked focused and sharped unlike their rigid opponent. It took ONGC just seven minutes to take the lead when defender Raju Haldamkar pounced quickly on Lalchhumawma’s shot which eventually rattled the bar and fell into Raju’s path who buried his shot from close range.

ONGC further penetrated into Central Bank of India’s box only to see their opportunities going down the drain. On the other hand, Central Bank of India was majorly dispossessed in the final-third by ONGC’s gritty back-line.

ONGC had to wait until 56th minute to finally take their lead to two goals when a delightful cross by Lalchhuamawma was sublimely finished by Striker Parminder Singh into the back of the net. Things got worst for the Bankers on the 62nd minute when inform Striker Enock Annan brilliantly volleyed home a lobbed ball after getting past two Central Bank of India’s defenders to continue his fine goal-scoring form.

Three minutes later Deep Moorjani scored after a good run inside the box but however it proved to be the consolation goal for Central Bank of India. ONGC sat back tight in order to avoid conceding any further goals to end their season on a high note.

Although their ‘Title’ dreams is still on as Air India are yet to play their last game which will eventually decide the fate of this season’s Elite Division. The Defending champions will face Mumbai FC where they have to avoid a defeat to defend their Title. Whereas ONGC will have to wholly depend on Mumbai FC now that somehow ‘The Yellow Suubmarines’ defeat Air India.

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After a dull first-half ONGC took the lead on the 71st minute through Parminder Singh before Deepak Irmali equalized for Mumbai Customs with six minutes left. But there was a twist in the tale right in the injury time, ONGC Striker Enock Annan who was through on goal kept his composure before finishing it superbly to give ONGC all three points.

The win also gives ONGC a ray of hope to fight with Air India for the Elite Division Title.

Both the outfit took time to settle into the game and almost for the whole first-half they didn’t had any genuine goal scoring chances. Customs inform striker Rinaldo Fernandes did came close to open the deadlock but his loose right footed shot was comfortably saved by ONGC’s custodian Rahul Chadha.

On a contradictory note the second-half saw a much better attacking display from both, Customs and ONGC. The latter however was wasteful in front of the goal.

After missing numerous chances ONGC finally broke the deadlock on the 71st minute when Nitesh Monde laid a beautiful ball across the goal, which was tapped in by Parminder Singh to put ONGC ahead.

Few minutes later, ONGC almost scored their second goal of the evening when Parminder Singh failed to convert Enock’s cross from five yards. This would surely snatched all three points right there.

Customs fought back hard. On 79th minute Deepak Irmali had a great opportunity to level the score, but rather than finding the back of the net, the number 11 shot hit the side netting.

Five minutes later, Deepak finally equalized for Customs with a powerful right footed shot from outside the box, sailing right at the bottom corner.

With the match heading towards a draw there was still time for a late drama. In the third minute of the injury time, ONGC’s Enock Annan scored past Customs goalkeeper Lihaz Khan as he was completely through on goal to earn a unlikely win for his team.

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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.

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Nitesh Monde, Enock Annan and Parminder Singh scored for the victors to ensure their fine winning run this season. PIFA Colaba’s Sushant Jadhav finally managed to score for Abdul Siddique’s side, but it proved to be too late too little for the struggling PIFA Colaba side.

PIFA Colaba came into the match on the back of a impressive 4-1 win over Independence Cup 2015 winner Western Railways, but unfortunately they couldn’t emulate their previous performance.

It took last year’s runner up ONGC just 3 minutes to open the scoring. Nitesh Monde burried his shot into the back of the net to put Dharmesh Patel’s side in front.

Enock Annan could have opened his account soon after Nitesh’s goal, but a gritty defense of PIFA Colaba kept Enock at bay.

Although 9 minutes later, Enock brilliantly squeezed past PIFA Colaba’s back four and comfortably placed his shot into the bottom corner to double ONGC’s lead.

ONGC went into the break with a 2-0 lead.

In the second-half, ONGC increased their lead to 3 goals. ONGC’s Safeer and Nitesh created havoc in PIFA Colaba’s defense and their hard work finally paid off on the 68th minute.

A brilliant move was incredibly executed by Parminder Singh into the back of the net which put the tie beyond any reach for PIFA Colaba.

With few minutes left on the clock, PIFA Colaba’s Sushant Jadhav tapped a beautiful cross from Coulibali Seydou into the empty net to cut short the deficit.

Enock came close to score ONGC’s fourth goal. His pace and quick feet helped him went past PIFA Colaba’s goalkeeper Ismail Surve, but unfortunately failed to convert his shot into the goal as his shot went just wide.

Sushant’s strike proved to be a consolation goal as ONGC grabbed all 3 points.

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ONGC and Companeroes SC had already met each other this season in the Quarter Finals of the Nadkarni Cup, where Companeroes produced a stunning defensive display to earn a goalless draw, only to be knocked out on penalties.

But there wasn’t to be a repeat of that performance, as ONGC took just nine minutes to breach the Companeroes rearguard with Kailash Patil heading home a fine cross from the right flank, to set ONGC on their way.

The goal seemed to flatten Companeroes who found themselves behind despite not doing much wrong in the opening ten minutes. But there was more misery in store for Companeroes as ONGC doubled their lead in the 21st minute as Kailash Patil got his second of the game, when he tapped in from close range after Joel Sequeira had diverted a cross from ONGC’s right flank goal wards.

ONGC made it 3-0, just a minute later, with Kailash Patil completing his hat-trick with a brilliant long range effort which found the back of the net, despite Companeroes goalkeeper Wren Dabreo getting a fist to it.

The day went from bad to worse for Companeroes, as referee Rahul awarded ONGC a penalty in the 27th minute for a handball by Companeroes’ Jardin Braganza.
Bhola Prasad stepped up for ONGC but blasted his kick over the crossbar, much to Companroes’ relief. The missed penalty seemed to stem the flow of chances for ONGC, but they continued to boss proceedings leaving the Companeroes’ front men to feed on scraps.

There were no signs of a Companeroes recovery as the referee blew for half time. ONGC were having a field day at the office as Companeroes had it all to do in the second half.

Companeroes did begin the second half with a lot more belief, but failed to work Agnelo Gomes, who was in goal for ONGC. Bhola Prasad nearly made up for his penalty miss, when he unleashed a vicious drive which went flying past the upright. It was a great attempt from the ONGC No.6.
ONGC’s Lavino Fernandes headed home from a couple of feet in the 61st minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Companeroes missed a great chance to equalize in the 67th minute, when a cross from the right flank evaded everyone in the box and found Jardin Braganza in space, but he couldn’t keep his effort on target.

ONGC made no mistake at the other end as they added another in the 69th minute through Joel Sequeira who was unmarked at the far post to tap in a Hassan Mohammed Adyola cross from the right flank.
Six minutes later, ONGC scored again with Kailash Patil getting his fourth of the afternoon. This was the pick of the goals, as Kailash Patil cut in from the right flank, to send a curler into the top corner.

ONGC missed two good chances in the 85th minute, as F.Lalmuanpuia’s attempt was brilliantly saved Wren Dabreo before Lavino Fernandes shot wide after finding space in the Companeroes penalty area.

Shabaz Khan missed a great chance to get Companeroes on the score sheet in the 90th minute after he was one on one with the ONGC goalkeeper. The referee drew Companeroes out of their misery as he blew for full time as there was no stoppage time.

ONGC were dominant from the first minute and the result was never really in doubt.

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ONGC playing their first game of the league, got off to a slow start as Indian Navy were out of the blocks quickly. ONGC goalkeeper Agulo Gomes was forced into action just three minutes into the game when he did brilliantly to come off his line and clear a long ball chased down by Indian Navy forward Bibake Thapa.

Indian Navy almost scored a minute later when when Bibake Thapa shot just over after meeting a cross from Vikramjeet Singh who was played in by the B.Thapa initially. The initial openings meant Indian Navy had wind in their sails as they worked the ball well in the opening twenty minutes of the game.

In the 24th minute, Indian Navy’s G.P Sharma send a half volley goalwards, but the shot was centimetres above the crossbar. It was a brilliant effort from the Indian Navy wide man.

Two minutes later, ONGC’s Kailash Patil replicated the attempt as he fired the shot over. It was ONGC’s first real endeavor at the Indian Navy goal. ONGC forced a brilliant save out of Bhaskar Roy in the 30th minute when Kailash Patil chested down a cross to fire goalwards from close range, but the Indian Navy goalkeeper was up to the mark.
ONGC were slowly getting into the game as they thought they took the lead on 33 minutes when ONGC put the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed after the Indian Navy goalkeeper was fouled in the build up to it.

Although Indian Navy enjoyed most of the possession, ONGC managed to conjure up decent amount of chances for themselves as the half drew to a close with the game still deadlocked. ONGC’s Kilash Patil nearly put ONGC in front in the first minute of stoppage time as he fired a shot just over from the edge of the box.

It was goalless at half time in a game which the Indian Navy had edged in terms of possession, but there was a lack of penetration from both sides.

ONGC upped their game in the second half, matching Indian Navy’s vigor on the ball. They nearly profited ten minutes into the second period as Karan Atwal missed from close range as tried to steer a scuffed effort from Lavino Fernandes, who had initially latched on to a loose clearance from the Indian Navy defender to shoot.

ONGC were now the stronger force in the game, but it was Indian Navy who nearly scored against the run of play when a lofted cross from the right wing hit the crossbar only for the rebound to be cleared by the ONGC defence.
But that did not seem to deter ONGC who were growing in confidence as Karan Atwal’s vicious drive in the 73rd minute was acrobatically tipped over by Bhaskar Roy.

ONGC’s second half resurgence was rewarded in the 78th minute when newly introduced substitute Jatin Singh Bisht as he fired a free kick from just outside the box in off the post to give ONGC a deserved lead.

All of Indian Navy’s good work in the first half was undone as they stared at their second defeat in the league this season. But they had little more left in the locker as they equalized three minutes from time when ONGC goalkeeper Agulo Gomes horribly misjudged a cross from Akash Kamble which went straight in to bring Indian Navy level.

The goal gave Indian Navy the momentum as they pushed for the win in the dying minutes. Indian Navy forward Britto PM profited from a mix up in the ONGC defence only to send his shot wide. It was a good chance for Indian Navy to literally steal the three points off ONGC.

Neither could strike a killer blow as the referee signaled the end of the game as both teams had to settle for a point each. Considering the level of the opposition both teams would be fairly satisfied with a point.

It was a game of two halves as Indian Navy edged the first one, while ONGC had the better of the second one. So overall, the draw seemed to be a fair reflection of the afternoon’s action.

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