HDFC (Ramesh Singh 32′) 1-0 Central Bank of India (CBI)

In the first game, Elite Division side Central Bank of India (CBI) faced Super Division side HDFC at RCF Ground, Chembur. In what turned out to be a cagey affair, a determined performance by HDFC saw them edging past CBI 1-0 to record a memorable victory.

Throughout the game, it was HDFC who dominated the match proceedings. The Super Division side hardly let CBI dictate the game as they deceived CBI’s midfield who failed to create more opportunities for their strikers.

Kevin Patrik and Andrew Burthelo did come close for CBI in the first-half but their poor composure in front of goal never bothered HDFC’s goalkeeper. It was in the 32nd minute when Ramesh Singh’s left-footed strike from outside the box gave HDFC a deserving lead.

Ramesh Singh was fantastic for the majority of the match but it could have been phenomenal had he not wasted some of the golden opportunities in the second-half. Winger Siddesh Batawale had an incredible game too as he created a havoc down the right flank.

Failing to create chances led to CBI’s loss as HDFC’s patience paid off with a narrow and deserving 1-0 win.

Union Bank of India (Vinod Pandey 12′, Ranjeet Pandre 19′ and Sameer Swamy 24′) 3-2 Millat FC (Kamran Siddiqui 52′ and Kalpesh Rane 63′)

In the second game, Millat FC and Union Bank of India (UBI) played out a thriller. After taking a quick three-goal lead, UBI almost gave away the match as Millat FC displayed a scintillating performance in the second-half where they missed out by only a goal as UBI edged them 3-2 to progress into the quarter-final.

Vinod Pandey’s looping header opened the scoring for UBI in the 12th minute before Ranjeet Pandre’s low drive took a wicked deflection and ended up in the back of the net. UBI was completely steamrolling in the first half-an-hour. Sameer Swamy made it 3-0 in the 24th minute which totally took Millat FC off the path.

But just like they fought back in the Republic Day Cup 2018, Millat FC’s grit and dedication almost took the game into the penalties. In the second-half, Millat FC dominated the proceedings. Kamran Siddiqui cut short the deficit in the 52nd minute before Kalpesh Rane added another goal as suddenly Millat was only a goal behind to make an incredible comeback.

Rayyan Shaikh, Kalpesh, Kamran, Farhan Butt and Adnan Ishke had an outstanding second-half along with goalkeeper Anas Ishke who denied Shannon Pereira with two spectacular saves to keep the match alive. In the end, it was UBI who prevailed as their three first-half goals proved enough to send an energetic Millat FC side home.

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Kevin Patrick opened the scoring earlier in the second-half and with ten minutes remaining, inform striker Troy Nunes made it 2-0 to earn an all important three points for Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF).

Although GM Sports were the first to made their mark earlier in the game. GM’s Himanshu Patil saw his bullet header struck the bar, but fortunately for GM Sports, after hitting the bar the ball fell into Mario Fernandes’s path whose shot unfortunately sailed over the bar.

A minute later on 17th minute, RCF came close to open the scoring. Kevin Patrick found Troy Nunes with a delightful low cross, but the latter somehow failed to bury his shot into the back of the net.

With each seconds passing by, RCF saw themselves settling into the game. GM Sport’s backline started to invite pressure which turned out to backfire them.

RCF’s Sonu Majhi had a poor first-half. His composure in front of the goal was a big question mark. On the 22nd minute, Arvind Kanojia set Sonu on goal with a pin point through ball, but Sonu’s loose shot proved harmless for GM Sports goalkeeper Pritam Jadhav.

Five minutes later, GM Sports had their best chance of the first-half. Mario Fernandes delivered a dangerous low ball into the box, Arbaaz Kapadia took a delayed shot which got a slight deflection off RCF’s defender and just managed to sail over the bar.

RCF’s Troy Nunes was a having a field day against the same side from whom they lost to in this year’s Nadkarni Football Cup Tournament, where GM Sports came back from 1-0 down to win 3-1.

In the last 15 minutes of first-half, Troy set up Sonu Majhi and Kevin Patrick twice, but their poor display in the final-third prevented RCF any goals.

The second-half saw RCF improving their finishing with Troy Nunes, Kevin Patrick and Sonu Majhi leading their attack upfront.

Just four minutes into the second-half, RCF finally got the breakthrough.

After a unsuccessful corner from GM Sports, RCF’s goalkeeper Vatsal Bhatia was quick enough to deliver a long ball towards Sonu Majhi, the number 23 brilliantly tricked his marker and delivered a fantastic cross which was headed in perfectly by Kevin Patrick.

Five minutes later, Sonu Majhi found Troy once again on the edge of the box, who lobbed the ball towards Kevin Patrick, the number 10 lashed a volley which was brilliant tipped over the bar by GM Sport’s goalkeeper Pritam Jadhav.

Troy Nunes created havoc by tearing apart GM Sports backline. Although he was unlucky to not score.

Unless 81st minute though where Kevin Patrick’s curling effort was kept out by GM Sport’s goalkeeper Pritam Jadhav, but it felt into Troy’s way who headed into the empty net to hit the final nail in the coffin.

Ironically it was Troy himself who scored against GM Sports in the Nadkarni Cup 2015 where they lost 3-1.

With this win RCF has now 9 points in the Elite Division so far.

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A lone goal from Naven Bhosala in the first-half was enough for the Naigaon outfit to start their 3rd Division on a high note.

Creek View would have scored just inside two minutes, when RCF Youth Council’s Pinto Rajbar made a abysmal back pass which got intercepted by Naven.

Having only the goalkeeper to beat, Naven’s right footed shot somehow went wide.

Two minutes later, Creek View got another chance to capitalize. This time Benedict Rodrigues looping header went just over the bar.

With five minutes left for the break, Creek View finally broke the deadlock.

Having missed an easy chance earlier in the match, Creek View’s Naven Bhosala comfortably placed his shot between the goalkeeper Ajit Shinde’s leg to give them a deserving lead.

Judhiste Padhi kept dictating the play for RCF Youth Council with some key passes into the box, but RCF’s forwards failed to deal against Creek View’s defense.

In the second-half, yet again Creek View gritty defense proved to be the difference as Creek View rode on Naven Bhosala’s first-half goal to clinch a memorable victory.

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RCF and Union Bank of India were coming into the game on the back of contrasting results, the former losing their previous game 4-3 to PIFA, while UBI thrashed Central Railways 4-0.

The game got off to a slow start as there were very few chances in the opening 15 minutes, much to the displeasure of the crowd who had turned up in decent numbers for the game.

RCF’s Raju Meetei went close to opening the scoring on 15 minutes, as his effort from a tight angle was saved by the UBI goalkeeper. The deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute as UBI took the lead through Manish Koli’s sensational drive which flew in the top corner, giving RCF’s Narender Singh no chance.

Manish Koli did well to capitalize on an error from RCF center back Vrundavan Duna who gave the ball away before unleashing a powerful strike on goal. It was a fantastic finish from the UBI No.20.
Two minutes later, UBI doubled their lead, this time from a breathtaking counter attack resulting from an RCF corner, as UBI’s Aaron D’Costa ran into space to play in Titus Uttankar who brought the ball under control and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the RCF goal. It was neatly taken goal by Titus Uttankar to give UBI a two goal cushion.

RCF’s Vrundavan Duna was having a bad day in the office, when he was booked for a rash tackle on a UBI player in the 29th minute. Three minutes later, his evening was ended as the RCF manager replaced him with Gadam.

As we approached the the half way mark in the game, RCF were slowly getting back into the game after two quick setbacks. Raju Meetei put a header just wide of the goal in the 42nd minute.

But UBI continued to create chances as, Pratik Koli’s header is millimeters off the right hand side post, after the striker met a cross from Titus Uttankar from UBI’s right flank.

UBI preserved their two goal lead as the teams went into the break. UBI were the better team in the first half and the scoreline was totally justified.

The second half started in a flash, as UBI’s Shanon Perreira found himself in space in front of goal, but his shot was just wide of Narender Singh’s goal.

Three minutes later, it was RCF who had Raju Meetei through on goal, but he toe poked the ball inches wide. It was a great chance for RCF to get back in the game which was wasted by one of their most trusted players in Raju Meetei.

RCF were unlucky not be just one behind UBI, as they were denied by the upright in the 62nd minute, when substitute Gadam’s driven shot hit the right hand side post. RCF were again having a good spell of possession, but were failing to make that all important breakthrough.

UBI replace goal scorer Manish Koli with Shravan Shetty in the 64th minute as they sought a third goal which would kill the game. UBI got that goal in the 76th minute when RCF failed to clear a lobbed pass from Sanjay Rathod, as Pratik Koli pounced on the loose ball to finish past the RCF goalkeeper. It was a killer blow for RCF, who had very little time to change the result.

UBI missed a great opportunity to add a fourth goal in the stoppage time as RCF were had dropped the intensity knowing the game was up.
The referee blew for full time as UBI ran out deserved winners against a good RCF side to register back to back wins in the Elite division.

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The game got off to a lively start with both teams looking sharp early on. It was RCF with the first opening in the game when Angainpu found himself in space on the left side of the PIFA box, only for him to put his effort wide. It was a poor miss in the end having so much time in front of goal and just the keeper to beat.

PIFA though made no mistake in converting their very first opportunity in the 10th minute when a beautifully threaded through ball from midfield found Deep Morjani in space behind the RCF backline as he squared Elvis Ozowara who finished from six yards to put the Colaba outfit in front.

The game had a great flow to it as RCF created another opening when Deep Morjani was played in by Ashish Dawajkar in the 16th minute, as the former failed to keep his shot on target which went well wide in the end. It was another good chance which went begging for RCF.

A minute later, at the other end Pranay D. send his shot over the crossbar after nice intricate play between Elvis Ozowara and Ganesh Kamat created the opening for a shot on the RCF goal.

After the bright opening twenty minutes, the fizz went out of the game thanks to a few injury lay-offs around the half hour mark. The 36th minute saw a major talking point as RCF’s Sandeep Upadhye lunged in on the PIFA offender. It was dangerous tackle, for which he was booked, but the PIFA camp were furious as they felt it was too soft a punishment as they believed the RCF No.2 deserved a red.

PIFA missed a glorious chance to double their lead in the final regulation minute of the first half as Elvis Ozowara failed to make a telling connection after a comedy of errors resulted in ball falling in his path.
In the third minute of stoppage time, PIFA goalkeeper James Swami made good save, low to his left after Raju Meetei was allowed to turn and have a shot at the PIFA goal.

That was the last piece of action of an eventful and entertaining first half, which was finely edged by PIFA Colaba who went into the interval with a one goal advantage.

The second half started in similar fashion, as both teams were playing with a high tempo. In the 51st minute, PIFA’s Elwis Ozowara broke away from the RCF defence as he delivered a dangerous cross across the face of the PIFA goal, which just evaded awaiting Zeeshan Shaikh, thanks to a vital touch from goalkeeper Vikram Singh.

PIFA won a free kick on their right flank, just outside the penalty area, from which PIFA doubled their advantage after Elwis Ozowara whipped in the free kick which was helped in byPIFA’s Jay Panarkar in the 55th minute.
Two minutes later PIFA almost made it three, but were denied by an absolute blinder of a save by RCF’s Vikram Singh. But they were not be denied in the 61st minute when Zeeshan Shaikh added a third as he slotted home a cross from the left flank.

Ubaid Ansari pulled one back for RCF in the 63rd minute to blow life back into the game, only for Elwis Ozowara to quash any hopes of a RCF comeback getting PIFA’s fourth goal after Raunak K had squared him up, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from RCF.

Elwis Ozowara was sensing a hat-trick as he was one on one with the goalkeeper, but unfortunately for PIFA forward, his effort hit the upright. Elwis Ozowara was proving to be a real handful for the RCF defence as he was involved in nearly all the goals PIFA scored.

Elwis Ozowara was involved yet again in the 75th minute, when he chased down a through ball from Pranay D. and twist and turn the RCF defender to drill a cross across the face of the goal. Fortunately for RCF, it was cleared in time. It was absolutely to class from the African forward.

PIFA substitute Lestor C. did brilliantly to keep the ball in play and pass to to Elwis Ozowara who beat a couple of defenders to shoot inches wide of the left hand side post in the 83rd minute.

PIFA blew a great chance to make it five in the 86th minute, Ganesh Kamat shot horribly over the crossbar after Zeeshan Shaikh picked him out with a cross at the far post.

The sensational Elwis Ozowara was taken off in the 88th minute and was replaced by Arvind K. Two minutes later, RCF reduced the deficit as Gadam scored for the Chembur outfit. The linesman had initially raised the flag for offside but the referee over ruled the decision to award RCF the goal.

RCF were to grab another goal in the third minute of stoppage time as Rahul Jadhav headed home from a foot off the goal, to make it 4-3 and have the cat among the pigeons. But there was barely time for RCF to steal a draw as referee blew for full time almost immediately after the restart.

PIFA nearly made a mess of what seemed to be a comfortable morning for Colobaites, but RCF left it way too late as they make their way back homr to Chembur empty handed.

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But it was the hosts who made the brighter start to the game as Raju Meetei latched on to a clearance only to scuff his shot straight at the ONGC shot stopper. Five minutes later, RCF almost took the lead through Kevin Patrick after ONGC keeper Ubaid C.K. failed to collect a cross. But he was bailed out when RCF frontman, Raju Meetei failed to make a telling connection.

ONGC had their first attempt on target a minute later, when V. Lalchuwawma’s free kick was pushed away by Narender Singh for a corner. RCF were beneficiaries of defensive lapses from ONGC again, when Kevin Patrick almost sneaked in after ONGC failed to make a regulation clearance. The hosts with the crowd behind them were putting a lot of pressure on the ONGC team early on.

Five minutes later it was ONGC’s turn to test the RCF rearguard as keeper Narender Singh did brilliantly to punch clear a cross from the left flank but got injured in the process. Much to the hosts’ relief, he was fine to continue. ONGC again created an opening in the 22nd minute when striker Enock Annan is found by a long ball from defence but he his shot went wide of the goal.

ONGC again came close when a series of deflections from a free kick resulted in a corner for ONGC. The ball could have gone anywhere and RCF were lucky not to concede. ONGC had brushed off a slow start and were now very much in control and put pressure on the RCF goal.

ONGC were peppering Narender Singh’s goal who so far had the answers. RCF forward Kevin Patrick battled well to earn a free kick for RCF in the 36th minute. From the resultant free kick, Anurag Singh Sidhu hit the crossbar as Ubaid C.K did enough to prevent RCF from taking the lead very much against the run of play. That boosted RCF slightly as they won series of corners in the minutes after the initial free kick, but failed to make them count.
But just as RCF were getting a foothold back in the game, ONGC made the breakthrough as Lavino Fernandes headed home an Enock Annan cross from close range to give ONGC a deserved lead in the 38th minute.

ONGC were threatening to run home the advantage as the RCF goal was under a siege by ONGC as the referee came to their rescue by blowing for half time. ONGC were firmly in control and RCF had a lot of thinking to do before they took field for the second half.

Three minutes into the second period Lavino Fernandes almost got his and his side’s second when he shot over after being played in by Nitesh Monde. Nitesh was involved again ten minutes later when he combined with Enock Annan to deliver a cross for the ONGC No.10 but was taken off his head by the RCF defender.

Three minutes later Enock Annan’s header is nicely saved at point blank range by Narender Singh as his defence help out to clear the pieces. RCF brought on Mainilung Boy in the 65th minute in search for an equalizer.

But it was ONGC who looked more likely to score as they put lot of pressure on the RCF defence who were getting impatient and making mistakes helping ONGC to threaten their goal.

Narender Singh had been kept busy all afternoon and he was forced into saves by Nitesh Monde and A.Puia. Despite all the possession and pressure, ONGC were unable to kill the game off as they still led through Lavino Fernandes’ first half goal. With the game into its dying minutes ONGC decided to sit back and protect what they had and it was RCF who had more of the ball.

RCF wasted a good chance in the 89th minute when a cross from the left flank just evaded two runners who would have had a tap in. Three minutes later Askar V.S almost made it 2-0 after a great burst from midfield.

ONGC held on for the victory as they entered the final of the Nadkarni Cup at the expense of hosts RCF who did their fans proud after a great showing at the tournament. The crowd acknowledged ONGC’s efforts as they were deserved winners in the end.

ONGC will play winners of Mumbai Customs and Air India in the Final of the 108th Nadkarni Cup on 4th December 2014.

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Being a tournament that started 108 years ago, the Nadkarni Cup is one of the most prestigious events in Mumbai football. It is considered as a the season opener of MDFA (Mumbai District Football Association) League for the elite Division teams but unfortunately this year it has been scheduled late November due to the delay in the monsoons.

This tournament features all the top teams of MDFA Elite Division League and is played on a knockout basis. This format has seen some very exciting matches over the years at the RCF grounds.

The former I-League team ONGC, certainly seem to be the favourites in this 108th Edition, Air India too look like strong contenders and there is no ruling out the newly crowned All India Inter – Railways Champions, Western Railway.

Mumbai Customs, who are currently in superb form in the Elite Division are still unbeaten this season, with some young and talented players in their squad, this well knit unit is another favourite in the 108th edition of the RFC Nadkarni Cup 2014.

With all competitive teams and an amazing atmosphere at the RCF sports complex, this event is going to be entertaining and action packed.

Football Counter wishes all the participating teams the very best!

Following are the fixture of 108th Edition of RCF Nadkarni Cup 2014.

Participating Teams : Air India, ONGC, Western Railway, Bank of India, PIFA Colaba, M.S. Police, G.M. Sports, Mumbai Customs, Mumbai FC Under-19, Kenkre FC, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Companeroes SC, Karnatak SA, Dena Bank and RCF.

Nadkarni Cup 2014 fixture

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Kali Alaudeen scored the opener for Tigers just prior 3 minutes to half time. In spite of local support and advantage of playing on home soil could not turn the game for RCF.

In patches RCF did well and attempt few shots on target. Mumbai Tigers have dominated till the end and forced home to be on defensive mode. Bikash jairu’s brace in the 67th minute and 82nd minute goal with the neat header helps defending champion another step closer a match short of final.

Tomorrow’s 3rd Quarter finals Match: October 22nd’ 2013

INDIAN NAVY  v/s  MAHARASHTRA STATE POLICE
Match timing: 3.30 p.m ( 15.30 hrs )

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Mumbai customs played an outstanding come back in the second half, they overcome from a goal deficit scored by Hekmat singh in the 64^th minute, when Sagar Bedekar wrongly brought down by Vivek singh kaira awarded a free kick to custom, Praneel Mendon’s power full shot got fumbled through goalkeeper Razak devsur’s hand landed into Hekmat Singh’s feet and then the joy of happiness among the entire crew.

Each half dedicated to Air India, Mumbai custom respectively. Air india took control over the game at the beginning only. N D Opara foreign recruit is tough to handle for Mumbai custom’s defenders, he keeps trying very frequently and made custom goal keeper Lihaz Koya busy in the box. Foreign recruit Emanuel Aja scored through a beautiful header, Monish Bhamre pull down Air India’s Jonychand sign awarded a free kick to Yogesh Rawat to curl the ball for Emanuel’s to test his heading skill.

Both the team were on their toes to get more numbers on the scoreboard but couldn’t make more than one and match ended with 1-1 and the result would be decided into a tie breaker. For Air India Emanuel Aja, Bhusan tumbe, N D Opara scored where as for Mumbai custom Kevin Patric was the lone scorer. Air Inida’s Allan Dias missed the target; his shot was easy save for Lihaz Koya. Mumbai custom had bad luck as their first two attempts got saved, Sajjad Alam and substitute Zinto zose and later Ashirwad hegde joined the club. The Match had a nice pace and got some hard and rough tackles, Referee Gadhe had nice control over the game, he booked two Air India players; Yogesh Rawat, Sidharth Nayak and Mumbai  custom’s Hekmat singh for yellow cards.

Other played matches – Pre quarter final

RCF & GM S.C

RCF won by 2 goals to NIL   2 – 0
Scorers for RCF Ajoy Kumar Singh scored the 1st goal by neatly tapping the ball with a fine placement to the right of the Goal keeper in the 40th minute & 2nd goal was scored in the 70th minute by Piyokumar with a neat placement to the far corner of the net.

AIR INDIA V/S Union Bank.

AIR INDIA won the match 2 – 1.
AIR INDIA Opened the account through Jonychand Singh in the 51st minute and the 2nd goal was scored by N.D. Opara in the 79th minute during the run of play which ultimately turned out to be the match winner. Aaron D’cost reduced the margin by scoring the lone goal for Union Bank.

M.S. POLICE v/s KENKRE FC

M.S.POLICE WON 3 – 1
Abdul Jaffar scored 2 goals and 1 Goal scored by Mohsin Mohammed.
For Kenkre the lone scorer was Yash Mhatre.

ONGC    v/s   COMPANEROES

ONGC 3 COMPANEROES NIL
Kailash Patil scored 2 goals in 4 minutes midway in the second half &
3rd Goal for ONGC came through Sathish.

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